Gábor Csupó’s feature directorial debut, Bridge to Terabithia, cast several young actors who eventually became movie stars. The Hungarian director was then known as a co-creator of Nickelodeon’s award-winning animated TV series Rugrats. Bridge to Terabithia’s screenplay, written by David L. Paterson and Jeff Stockwell, was adapted from Katherine Paterson’s 1977 children’s novel of the same name.
Bridge to Terabithia centered around its two protagonists, 6th graders Jesse “Jess” Aarons and Leslie Burke. After Leslie joins his class, they soon become close friends and create a fantasy world, Terabithia, in the woods, where they hide away to both cope with their difficult realities. Bridge to Terabithia was a critical and commercial success, grossing $137.6 million at the Box Office from a $17 million production budget. Released 17 years ago on February 16, 2007, these were the top Bridge to Terabithia cast.
Josh Hutcherson as Jesse “Jess” Aarons
A then-14-year-old Josh Hutcherson played Bridge to Terabithia’s male lead, Jesse “Jess” Aarons. His character was a 12-year-old from a financially struggling family of seven. Jess had four sisters and was often bullied in school. He found solace in a new friend and classmate, Leslie. Known for his imaginative and artistic abilities, Jess and Leslie create the magical kingdom of Terabithia in the woods, where they can escape from reality and be their true selves. Five years later, Josh Hutcherson landed the most iconic role of his career, playing Peeta Mellark in The Hunger Games film series.
AnnaSophia Robb as Leslie Burke
Actress, model, and singer AnnaSophia Robb played Leslie Burke, the female lead character in Bridge to Terabithia. After resuming in her new school and class, Leslie befriends Jess. Like Jess, she, too, becomes a victim of Janice’s bullying. Leslie and Jess find solace in Terabithia. Leslie’s tragic death towards the end of the movie was an emotional shocker for audiences. AnnaSophia Robb was 13 years old when Bridge to Terabithia was released.
Lauren Clinton as Janice Avery
Bridge to Terabithia was the then-13-year-old Lauren Clinton’s feature film debut. Clinton played the school’s bully, Janice Avery. After Jesse and Leslie created Terabithia, Lauren Clinton also played the troll character. After Jess finds out how Janice became a bully, he befriends her. The next time he and Leslie are in Terabithia, the troll becomes an ally as they fight off other bully creatures. Bridge to Terabithia is currently the only feature film Lauren Clinton has starred in. Her last acting credit was in 2018, when she starred in a short film.
Bailee Madison as May Belle Aarons
May Belle Aarons was one of Jesse Aaron’s younger sisters. While he didn’t share a close relationship with his older sister, Jess and May were relatively close. May helped Jess and Leslie to prank Janice Avery. A then-7-year-old Bailee Madison was cast as May Belle Aarons. Madison currently stars in Max’s slasher teen drama-mystery series Pretty Little Liars.
Zooey Deschanel as Ms. Edmunds
Actress and musician Zooey Deschanel was also part of the Bridge to Terabithia cast. Deschanel played Ms. Edmunds, a music teacher at Jess and Leslie’s school. Jess, who has a crush on Ms. Edmunds, jumps on the opportunity of a one-on-one field trip to the city’s art museum. It was while he was with Ms. Edmunds that Leslie unsuccessfully attempted to jump across the river and drowned.
Robert Patrick as Jack Aarons
Actor Robert Patrick played Jack, the patriarch of the Aarons family. Jack struggles financially to provide for the family. Also, he has a strained relationship with Jesse but is close with one of his youngest daughters, May Belle. Robert Patrick was one of the more established cast members in Bridge to Terabithia. Before being cast in Bridge to Terabithia, Patrick’s most famous role was playing John Doggett on Fox’s science fiction drama The X-Files; he joined in seasons 8 and 9. Robert Patrick won a Saturn Award for Best Actor on Television in 2001 for his performance.
Kate Butler as Mary Aarons
American actress Kate Butler played Mary Aarons in Bridge to Terabithia. Although the movie wasn’t her first acting role, its popularity and success quickly made it the most prominent and highest-grossing project of her career. Mary Aarons was Jesse Aarons’ mother, who did her best to keep the home together. Bridge to Terabithia‘s success helped define several cast members’ careers, including Josh Hutcherson, whose rise from child actor to leading man has been exceptional.
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