It’s hard to believe, but the cheerleading film that defined a generation, Bring It On, is celebrating its 24th anniversary. Released on August 22, 2000, the movie quickly became a box office sensation, debuting at the number one spot in North America and holding that position for two straight weeks. Grossing approximately $90 million worldwide, Bring It On not only won over audiences but also became a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with cheerleaders, fans, and movie buffs alike.
To honor this milestone, we’re diving into 21 little-known facts about the film that made us all want to put it on the mat and hit zero!
1. The Original Title Was “Cheer Fever”
Before it became Bring It On, the film was originally titled Cheer Fever. The script, written by music video director Jessica Bendinger, was a tough sell in Hollywood, taking over 28 pitches before it found a home.
2. Kirsten Dunst Wasn’t the First Choice for Torrance
Although Kirsten Dunst, who was just 17 when she starred in the film, is now synonymous with the role, the part of Torrance was initially offered to Marley Shelton. However, Shelton opted out to star in Sugar and Spice, another cheerleading film that focused on bank-robbing cheerleaders.
3. Gabrielle Union Was Instrumental in Shaping Her Character
Gabrielle Union played Isis, the captain of the Clovers, and she brought a lot to the character. Inspired by Michael Jordan, Union worked closely with director Peyton Reed to develop Isis’s voice, ensuring that she was a strong and authentic leader. Union was deeply involved in making Isis a powerful representation of a Black female leader.
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4. Real Cheer Squads Were Used as Extras During Filming
The movie was primarily shot in San Diego County, California, with many scenes filmed at local high schools and San Diego State University. Real high school cheer squads were used as extras, adding an authentic vibe to the film’s portrayal of high school cheerleading.
5. There Was Real On-Set Drama
During the filming, several cast members, including Eliza Dushku and Jesse Bradford, were briefly jailed in Tijuana after a night out got a little too wild. Talk about taking team bonding to a new level!
6. Cheer Boot Camp Was No Joke
Before filming began, the cast underwent a four-week cheerleading boot camp. The rigorous training ensured the actors could perform their own stunts, including pyramids, basket tosses, and tumbling sequences.
7. A Surprise Success
Despite initial projections suggesting modest success, Bring It On defied expectations by debuting at number one and grossing $22 million in its opening weekend—far exceeding its $6 million estimate.
8. An Alternate Ending Exists
In a lesser-known alternate ending, Torrance and Isis both attend UC Berkeley and join the same cheer squad. This version is available on the film’s DVD and offers a different perspective on their rivalry.
9. The Spirit Fingers Were Scripted—But Sparky’s Lines Weren’t
Ian Roberts, who played the eccentric choreographer Sparky Polastri, improvised most of his lines. However, the iconic “spirit fingers” were always part of the plan.
10. The Cast Couldn’t Fake Their Cheer Skills
To land a role in the movie, actors had to perform a cheer during auditions. This was a non-negotiable part of the process, ensuring everyone had the rhythm and coordination needed for the physically demanding roles.
11. The Clovers Almost Didn’t Win Nationals
One of the film’s most debated elements was who would win Nationals. While some argued that the Toros, led by Dunst’s character, should take the crown, the filmmakers ultimately decided that the Clovers’ victory was a more fitting conclusion.
12. Bring It On: The Musical
The legacy of Bring It On extended to Broadway, where Lin-Manuel Miranda co-wrote the music and lyrics for Bring It On: The Musical. The show earned two Tony nominations, proving that the film’s cheer magic was still alive years later.
13. The Teeth-Brushing Scene Was Inspired by Real Life
One of the movie’s most memorable scenes—Torrance and Cliff brushing their teeth together—was inspired by an awkward real-life moment that screenwriter Jessica Bendinger experienced. Kirsten Dunst added her own touch by shielding her mouth while spitting, a move that wasn’t in the script.
14. Blaque Was Cast as the Clovers Without Auditioning
The members of the R&B girl group Blaque were offered the roles of three Clovers without needing to audition. Their performances marked their film debut, and Gabrielle Union helped guide them through their first experience acting on camera.
15. The DVD Includes Deleted Clovers Scenes
The movie’s trailer shows scenes with the Clovers that didn’t make it into the final cut. These scenes were filmed after test audiences asked for more of the Clovers, and they can be found on the DVD extras.
16. Warrant’s “Cherry Pie” Was a Major Expense
The rights to use Warrant’s song “Cherry Pie” during the audition montage cost a significant chunk of the film’s $10 million budget—around $40,000, making it the most expensive music cue in the movie.
17. The Movie’s Impact on Cheer Culture
Bring It On didn’t just entertain—it changed the game for cheerleading. After the movie’s release, there was a noticeable uptick in interest in competitive cheerleading across the United States. The film helped bring the sport into the mainstream, inspiring a new generation of athletes and contributing to the popularity of cheerleading competitions. Organizations like the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) saw increased participation as more people became aware of the athleticism and teamwork involved in cheerleading.
18. Some Cast Members Celebrated the Film’s Success in Style
After the movie unexpectedly debuted at number one, some of the cast members, including Eliza Dushku, celebrated by jumping into the pool at the Sky Bar in Los Angeles, reveling in the movie’s success.
19. The Cast Members’ Commitment to Cheer
The actors didn’t just act like cheerleaders—they had to be cheerleaders. From rigorous boot camps to learning real stunts, the commitment was intense. Eliza Dushku, for example, showed up to her audition hungover but still impressed by dropping into a split on the spot.
20. Bringing Diversity to the Forefront
One of the reasons Bring It On has remained relevant is its focus on diversity. Gabrielle Union signed on to the movie specifically because it was committed to righting the wrongs of representation in teen films at the time.
21. Kirsten Dunst Surprised Fans at the 24th Anniversary Celebration
Dunst recently thrilled fans by showing up unannounced at Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a special 24th-anniversary screening. She delighted the crowd by reciting iconic cheers from the movie, proving that T-T-T-Torrance can still b-b-b-bring it!
And that’s just a taste of the behind-the-scenes magic that helped Bring It On become a cheerleading classic. Whether you’ve been a fan since the beginning or discovered the film later, there’s no denying its impact on pop culture and the cheer world.
Here’s to 24 years of spirit fingers, fierce stunts, and the unforgettable rivalries that continue to inspire us all. What are your favorite Bring It On moments? Share with us on social media.
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