Sky High is a 2005 family superhero film directed by Mike Mitchell. It stars Michael Angarano as Will Stronghold, a teenager who attends a high school for superheroes. Despite the setting, the plot has many elements of a classic teen movie, as misfit Will becomes popular after developing his powers, growing distant from his old friends as he pursues his dream girl. The movie ends with a supervillain reveal and a battle on the night of the homecoming dance, combining the superhero and high school genres.
Before the Marvel Cinematic Universe established itself with its first film, there weren’t as many superhero movies being released, making the movie a rarity for the time. Sky High is also unique for being a superhero movie not based on a Marvel or DC comic – or any comic at all. It’s a fun movie that lovingly pokes fun at the superhero genre, with a great cast bringing it to life. Aside from the main cast, the movie also has famous actors playing the supporting roles as teachers at Sky High, including Lynda Carter, Bruce Campbell, and Cloris Leachman.
The creative team hoped it could launch a whole franchise; there were even plans for a sequel. However, the film didn’t perform as well as hoped at the box office, overshadowed by many of that year’s releases, and any sequels were canceled. The movie did receive mostly positive reviews from critics, and is now praised for being “ahead of its time,” for both its superhero subject before the genre exploded, and its dynamic characters. Let’s take a look at where the cast is today.
Michael Angarano
Michael Angarano plays Will Stronghold, son of two major superheroes. Though it first appears that he has no superpowers, he eventually develops superstrength and the ability to fly. He is funny and charming in the role, and makes for a truly likable and relatable hero. Since the movie, he has had a variety of TV and film roles, including The Forbidden Kingdom, I’m Dying Up Here, The Knick, and This Is Us, which earned him an Emmy in 2019 for his guest role.
Nicholas Braun
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Sky High was the first film role for Nicholas Braun, who plays Will’s friend, Zach. Labeled a sidekick at first, Zach has the power to glow and later helps Will defeat the villain, Royal Pain. Some of his other films include Minutemen, Prom, and Zola. Since 2018, he has been part of the main cast of Succession, and received an Emmy nomination for the show in 2020.
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Danielle Panabaker
Danielle Panabaker plays Layla, Will’s best friend, who eventually becomes his girlfriend. She controls plants for her superpower, and Panabaker perfectly brings her gentle, yet strong, presence to life. She has had roles in Disney Channel Original Movies, including Stuck in the Suburbs and Read it and Weep, along with many TV and film roles. Her main role since the movie has been on The Flash, which began in 2014; she is expected to return for the show’s upcoming ninth season.
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Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston played Josie Stronghold, Will’s mother. She has the powers of flight and remains supportive of Will even through his challenges. Prior to Sky High, she appeared in Twins, Jerry Maguire, and The Cat in the Hat. Her final roles were in Gotti and Off the Rails, which was released after Preston died of cancer in 2020.
Kurt Russell
Kurt Russell plays Will’s father, Steve Stronghold. He is also known as Commander and has superstrength. Though initially disappointed when Will doesn’t have any powers, he still cares for his son and supports him. Kurt Russell was well-known to audiences before the movie, performing in The Thing, Overboard, and Escape From L.A. He has had roles in several major films since, including Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2, The Fate of the Furious, and The Christmas Chronicles, which Russell says will likely be the last role he plays.
Steven Strait
Steven Strait plays Warren Peace, a teen with fire powers. He is often misunderstood due to his father being a villain. Despite being an enemy to Will early in the movie, they grow to become friends, with Strait effectively showing the character’s softer side. He has also appeared in the movies 10,000 B.C. and City Island. Since 2015, he has starred in The Expanse, which aired its final season this year.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays Gwen, the popular girl at Sky High. Will immediately crushes on her after they meet, and even invites her into his family’s secret lair, where they kiss. However, Gwen reveals herself to be Royal Pain, the mysterious villain. Winstead is great both as the popular girl and as the villain, and has brought her talents to many movies since then, including Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Birds of Prey, and Kate.