You're Killing Me, Smalls! 7 Fresh Updates On The Sandlot Cast And The Canceled Disney+ Sequel In 2024
The Sandlot remains one of the most beloved baseball and coming-of-age movies of all time, and as of late December 2025, the film's legacy is stronger than ever thanks to a massive 30th-anniversary celebration that has run well into 2024 and a new baseball movie starring two of its original cast members. The nostalgia for the 1993 classic has been fueled by cast reunions and fresh career updates, even as the highly anticipated sequel series for Disney+ has reportedly stalled. Fans still flock to the original movie, which returned to the Disney+ streaming service in February 2024, proving that "Heroes Get Remembered, But Legends Never Die."
The original movie, directed by David Mickey Evans, continues to resonate with new generations, centered on the summer adventures of a group of neighborhood kids and their shared love of baseball. Here is the latest, most up-to-date information on the cast, the status of the rumored sequel, and the new projects keeping the Sandlot spirit alive in 2024.
The Sandlot Cast: Where Are They Now? (2024 Updates)
The tight-knit cast of the original film has been actively celebrating the movie's enduring popularity, with many involved in the 30th Anniversary Tour events scheduled across the US throughout 2024. Their current projects show that the spirit of the Sandlot continues to influence their careers.
- Tom Guiry (Scott "Scotty" Smalls): The actor who played the film's protagonist, Smalls, has been busy in 2024. He appeared in the animated film Life with Quincy 3 and the horror movie Monster Summer. Most notably, he reunited with a former castmate for the 2024 baseball movie You Gotta Believe.
- Patrick Renna (Hamilton "Ham" Porter): Renna, famous for the iconic line "You're killing me, Smalls!", is perhaps the most active in the baseball film space. In 2024, he starred in the family drama You Gotta Believe, a film based on the true story of a 2002 Little League team. He also maintains a popular presence on social media.
- Chauncey Leopardi (Michael "Squints" Palledorous): Leopardi, known for his memorable pool scene kiss, has been a consistent presence at the anniversary events. He continues to engage with fans and has appeared in various reunion projects over the years.
- Mike Vitar (Benjamin "Benny" 'The Jet' Rodriguez): Vitar largely stepped away from acting after the 1990s. He later became a firefighter with the Los Angeles Fire Department. While he rarely participates in public reunions, his iconic character remains a fan favorite.
- Marty York (Alan "Yeah-Yeah" McClennan): York has been a key figure in the 30th Anniversary Tour, reflecting on his time filming the movie and its lasting impact on his career. He continues to appear at fan events alongside other cast members.
- James Earl Jones (Mr. Mertle): The legendary actor who voiced Darth Vader and played the blind owner of "The Beast" dog, passed away in 2024. His death was a recent, significant event that brought the film back into the news cycle.
The Status of The Sandlot Disney+ Sequel Series
For years, fans held out hope for a direct sequel series to The Sandlot, which was announced to be in development for Disney+ following the acquisition of 20th Century Fox. The series was rumored to follow the original kids, now adults in their 30s, who had returned to the famous sandlot.
However, the most recent updates suggest that the project has been shelved. The much-anticipated Disney+ sequel series is reportedly no longer in development. This news is a disappointment for fans who were eager to see the original cast reprise their roles in a continuation of the story. The cancellation is part of a broader trend where Disney reviewed and ultimately halted development on several Fox-era projects for the streaming service.
Despite the setback, the spirit of the sequel lives on through other projects. The 2024 film You Gotta Believe, which stars both Patrick Renna and Tom Guiry, has been cited as a perfect, current baseball movie for fans to enjoy while waiting for any potential future Sandlot-related content.
30th Anniversary Celebrations Roll Into 2024
While the film officially celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023, the cast and crew have extended the celebration well into 2024 with numerous public appearances and events across the United States. This ongoing tour has been the main source of fresh news and fan interaction for the movie this year.
The 30th Anniversary with the Cast tour has seen key actors like Tom Guiry, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi, and Marty York travel to various cities for meet-and-greets, Q&A sessions, and special screenings. Events were scheduled throughout the summer and early fall of 2024, including dates in California, Indiana, and Illinois, allowing a new wave of fans to meet the stars.
These events offer a unique opportunity for fans to hear behind-the-scenes stories directly from the actors, cementing the film's status as a cultural touchstone. The continued success of the tour highlights the movie's incredible topical authority and lasting appeal, decades after its release.
Lesser-Known Facts That Prove The Sandlot Is A True Classic
Beyond the iconic lines and memorable characters, the production of The Sandlot is filled with unique stories that add to its legendary status. The film was primarily shot in Utah, where the weather conditions were a challenge for the young cast.
- The Pool Scene Was a Chilly Shoot: Despite the majority of filming in Utah taking place in scorching 110-degree Fahrenheit heat, the iconic scene where Squints fakes drowning to kiss Wendy Peffercorn was filmed in much colder temperatures. The water was reportedly freezing, making the actors' dedication to the scene even more impressive.
- A Real-Life Inspiration: Co-writer and director David Mickey Evans drew inspiration for the film from a childhood experience his brother had. The core plot—a new kid trying to fit in with a group of baseball fanatics—was rooted in real-life events.
- The Beast's Trainer Had a Cameo: The massive English Mastiff who played "The Beast" (real name Hercules) was trained by a man named John Muto. Muto made a small cameo in the film as the lifeguard who pulls Squints out of the pool after his dramatic "rescue."
- Denis Leary's Role: Actor and comedian Denis Leary, who played Smalls' stepfather Bill, was a last-minute addition to the cast. His performance added a crucial layer of family drama and tension to Smalls’ home life.
The ongoing 30th-anniversary tour, the new projects featuring the cast, and the enduring popularity of the original film prove that the spirit of the Sandlot is alive and well. While the Disney+ sequel series may be a ghost of the past, the message of friendship, summer fun, and baseball remains a timeless hit.
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