Step Brothers Cast: Where Are They Now? Then And Now

Introducing Step Brothers

Step Brothers is a 2008 American comedy film directed by Adam McKay. It stars Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly as Brennan and Dale, two grown men who are forced to live together as brothers after their single parents, played by Mary Steenburgen and Richard Jenkins, get married.

Step Brothers was met with mixed reviews upon its release, but has since become a cult classic comedy. Known for its absurd and surreal humor, the movie contains many funny and memorable scenes between Ferrell and Reilly as the titular immature, middle-aged step brothers.

The Main Cast: Then and Now

Will Ferrell as Brennan Huff

Will Ferrell plays Brennan Huff, a 39-year old unemployed man living with his mother Nancy. He spends his days singing in his drum circle and caring for his pet cat. Ferrell was 40 years old when Step Brothers was released.

Since Step Brothers, Ferrell has remained a major comedy star. Some of his notable films over the past decade include Anchorman 2, Daddy's Home, The LEGO Movie, and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. He continues to frequently collaborate with director Adam McKay.

John C. Reilly as Dale Doback

John C. Reilly stars as Brennan's new step brother Dale Doback. Dale is a 40-year old who lives with his father Robert. He works as an exterminator and is just as immature as Brennan. Reilly was 42 during filming.

Reilly earned an Oscar nomination for Chicago before Step Brothers. Since then, he's appeared in films like Kong: Skull Island, Ralph Breaks the Internet, and Stan and Ollie. He also voiced the title character in Disney's Wreck-It Ralph. Reilly continues to balance roles in indie films and big budget movies.

Richard Jenkins as Robert Doback

Richard Jenkins plays Dale's short-tempered father Robert, who marries Brennan's mother Nancy. Although he hates Brennan at first, the two eventually bond over their love of drums and annoyance with Dale.

Jenkins is known for roles in films like The Shape of Water, Bone Tomahawk, and Jack Reacher. He's earned multiple Emmy nominations for shows like Six Feet Under. Jenkins continues to work steadily, recently appearing in series like Dirty John and The Kominsky Method.

Mary Steenburgen as Nancy Huff

Mary Steenburgen portrays Brennan's mother Nancy, who marries Dale's dad and expects the boys to become friends. She is often embarrassed by Brennan's childish behavior.

Steenburgen was an established character actress when she appeared in Step Brothers, with roles in films like Back to the Future Part III, Philadelphia, and Elf. She continues acting frequently in movies and TV. Steenburgen also published a book in 2020 called Just Show Up: And Other Enduring Values from a Life in Hollywood.

Supporting Cast: Then and Now

Kathryn Hahn as Alice

Kathryn Hahn plays Alice, Dale's wife and Robert's daughter. She divorces Dale early on but eventually has sex with him again after his drum performance at Catalina Wine Mixer.

Since Step Brothers, Hahn has appeared in many popular comedy films like Bad Moms, Private Life, and Free Guy. She also played Agatha Harkness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hahn currently stars on Showtime's I Love That for You.

Adam Scott as Derek

Adam Scott has a memorable supporting role as Alice's arrogant new boyfriend Derek. He drives a sleek Acura and bullies Brennan and Dale.

Scott went on to star as Ben Wyatt on Parks and Recreation. He's also appeared in films like Friends with Kids, Krampus, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, and Hot Tub Time Machine 2. Scott regularly works in both comedies and dramatic projects.

Andrea Savage as Denise

Comedian Andrea Savage plays Dale's superior Denise at his exterminator job. She has a deadpan, no nonsense attitude when dealing with Dale's incompetence.

In recent years, Savage created and starred on the TV series I'm Sorry on TruTV. She alsoappeared in Veep, The Hotwives of Orlando, and numerous other comedies.

Rob Riggle as Randy

Rob Riggle plays Randy, one of Dale's co-workers. He's slightly more competent than Dale but still gets fired after their disastrous presentation.

Riggle is a comedian who served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He's made a career out of playing comical authority figure characters. Riggle has appeared in 21 Jump Street, Dumb and Dumber To, 12 Strong, and The Hangover.

Seth Rogen as Sporting Goods Manager

Seth Rogen has an uncredited cameo as a dickish sporting goods manager. He refuses to give Brennan a refund for defective swimming goggles.

Rogen has exploded in popularity since Step Brothers, writing, producing, directing and starring in hit comedies like Pineapple Express, Knocked Up, Superbad, and Sausage Party. He continues to collaborate with writing partner Evan Goldberg.

Lasting Legacy of Step Brothers

Though not initially a box office smash, Step Brothers has become immensely quotable and influential in the years since its release. Brennan and Dale's antics represent the height of Ferrell and Reilly's "man child" comedy era.

Step Brothers endures through its endless meme-worthy scenes like the "Boats 'N Hoes" Catalina Wine Mixer performance, the bunk bed building montage, and Dale's inventive cursing. The film captured the unique comedic chemistry between Ferrell and Reilly that has lasted throughout their careers.

The cast of Step Brothers has gone on to continue thriving in Hollywood. While a sequel has often been rumored, the original stands on its own as one of the most beloved and rewatchable comedies of the 2000s.

FAQs

Who are the main stars of Step Brothers?

The main stars of Step Brothers are Will Ferrell as Brennan Huff and John C. Reilly as Dale Doback. They play middle-aged step brothers forced to live together when their parents get married.

When was Step Brothers released?

Step Brothers was released in theaters on July 25, 2008. It was directed by Adam McKay.

What was the plot of Step Brothers?

The plot follows Brennan and Dale, two immature men who must become step brothers when their single parents get married. Though they initially hate each other, they eventually bond over their shared interests and eccentricities.

Was Step Brothers a box office hit?

No, Step Brothers received mixed reviews and only grossed around $100 million against a $65 million budget. However, it later became a cult classic comedy with a dedicated fanbase.

Did Step Brothers get any major awards or nominations?

No, Step Brothers did not receive any significant award nominations. But it is now considered one of Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly's most iconic and quotable comedies.