The cast of The Breakfast Club is reuniting for the first time in nearly 40 years, bringing together the iconic group that helped define a generation. Judd Nelson, Anthony Michael Hall, Molly Ringwald, Ally Sheedy, and Emilio Estevez are appearing in Chicago—where the film was originally shot—as part of C2E2, the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, which kicked off Friday with autograph signings and fan meet-and-greets.

From left: Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Molly Ringwald, and Anthony Hall in The Breakfast Club, 1985

The reunion marks a rare public appearance by the five stars of John Hughes’ 1985 coming-of-age classic. Their characters—the brain, the athlete, the basket case, the princess, and the criminal—formed an unlikely bond during a single day of high school detention, a story that continues to resonate decades after its release. “It’s a real culture unto itself,” said Hall, who portrayed Brian Johnson.

Fans attending the convention described the film’s lasting influence, with some calling it era-defining and others sharing memories of Breakfast Club-themed birthday parties—one even featuring an Emilio Estevez cake. The gathering has sparked fresh speculation about a possible follow-up. Hall noted there’s no sequel planned, but said it’s not completely off the table.