The Breakfast Club actors reunite for the first time in 40 years

The Breakfast Club stars have publicly reunited for the first time in 40 years at the C2E2 convention in Chicago yesterday.

Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy and Anthony Michael Hall joined in a panel for the 40th anniversary of the movie, hosted by Josh Horowitz. The actors covered the making of the film and its lasting legacy.

“I feel really very emotional and moved to have us all together,” said Ringwald, explaining that the group had previously reunited without the presence of Estevez. “We don’t have to use the cardboard cutout anymore because he’s here. I feel really moved that we’re all together.”

“I skipped all of my high school reunions, so this just was something that finally I felt I needed to do just for myself,” said Estevez. “But this one felt special. It’s here in Chicago, where we made the film, and obviously the 40th anniversary, and it just felt like it was time.”

The film, released in 1985, follows five high school students of different backgrounds and friend groups. They spend a day together during weekend detention, and learn to overcome their superficial differences.

Fans can watch the full panel below: