Freddie Prinze Jr. Reunites With Co-Star Rachael Leigh Cook 25 Years After ‘She’s All That’
Released in 1999, She’s All That left a lasting cultural legacy, becoming a quintessential teen rom-com beloved by millennials everywhere. It epitomizes the late ’90s high school experience with its portrayal of cliques, prom culture, and the power of love. Of course, we can’t reminisce about She’s All That without mentioning its stars Freddie Prinze Jr. and Rachael Leigh Cook. On July 24, the former co-stars reunited, notably 25 years after their career-making film premiered.
She’s All That popularized the “makeover” trope, where an “ugly duckling” is transformed into a swan. Its soundtrack, featuring iconic songs like Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss Me,” became synonymous with the era. Prinze Jr. had already established himself with 1997’s I Know What You Did Last Summer. But his role as Zack Siler in She’s All That solidified his place as an early-aughts teen heartthrob. Cook also saw her acting career take off. She went on to star in 2001’s Josie and the Pussycats, which many argue has become a cult classic.
Prinze Jr. has dabbled in acting since marrying his wife, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and starting a family. However, few of his roles have seen the success of his late ’90s/early 2000s hits. This is one reason why fans of the 48-year-old are eagerly anticipating his turn in The Girl in the Pool. At the psychological thriller’s premiere on July 24, Prinze Jr. celebrated with the cast, Gellar, and supporters, like Cook.
The Girl in the Pool follows a well-to-do family man who is forced to struggle through a surprise birthday party moments after hiding the murdered corpse of his mistress. Prinze Jr. explained to Us Weekly how he felt about starring on the silver screen again. “The amount of responsibility on you as the lead in that kind of a film … Everybody’s depending on you to be there and be at your best. So I put a lot of pressure on myself to be that guy. I knew the responsibility of this character … I put a lot into him.”
Always beautifully understated, Cook, now 44, wore an off-the-shoulder white sweater, straight-leg jeans, and simple brown boots. Prinze Jr. had a “cool dad” look as the father of two opted for a black bomber jacket and red Nike sneakers. E! News posted a fun Instagram video of the pair over the years. Supporters took the comment section, writing, “Such a sweet movie!!! Love them both,” and “Both of them are still gorgeous.”
This group of early 2000s heartthrobs recognizes the toll that stardom takes on actors. Prinze Jr. credits Gellar with helping him get out of his comfort zone for The Girl in the Pool. “If we didn’t support one another, we wouldn’t have lasted very long,” Prinze Jr. told Us Weekly. “So, when she sees me excited to do something new and different, she’s excited for her man to get to show people what he can do.”
