The first decade of the 2000s marked a golden era for Disney Channel. Young talents won millions of fans globally through musical films, teen series, and shows that defined a generation. Today, in 2025, these artists have taken diverse paths in the world of entertainment.
Lindsay Lohan Stars in Netflix Films and Prepares a Freakier Friday with Jamie Lee Curtis
Lindsay Lohan became a phenomenon in the early 2000s with The Parent Trap (1998) and Mean Girls (2004). Her work with Disney defined teen cinema in the 2000s, making her the diva of the millennial generation.
After years away from the film industry, Lohan is back in the spotlight. The actress partnered with Netflix, starring in holiday comedies like Falling for Christmas and Our Little Secret – which topped Netflix’s global charts on its release day in 2024, portraying exes forced to spend Christmas together after discovering their new partners are siblings. The production solidified Lohan as a star of holiday films on the platform.
Freakier Friday, marks the return of Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis to their iconic roles, two decades after the success of the 2003 film. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, the sequel also reunites Mark Harmon, Chad Michael Murray, and other original cast members. The plot follows the aftermath of the body swap between mother and daughter — now with a new generation involved.
Between Thrillers and Scented Candles, She Continues to Surprise
Hilary Duff became a global star playing Lizzie McGuire on Disney Channel between 2001 and 2004. The production defined the channel’s youth format, making Duff a fashion and music icon of the time. Her albums like “Metamorphosis” (2003) sold millions worldwide.
In 2019, she starred in the thriller The Haunting of Sharon Tate, which recreates the days leading up to the crime involving actress Sharon Tate, based on real accounts and premonitory visions. The production takes a provocative approach, subverting expectations and delivering a well-crafted suspense from start to finish.
In recent times, Duff has expanded her entrepreneurial horizons beyond acting. In November 2023, she launched Below 60°, a line of home fragrance products, where she serves as Brand Director. The brand became available on QVC in 2025, with Duff appearing on the network to promote the products.
Zac Efron After Leaving East High Won an Emmy
Zac Efron gained worldwide fame as Troy Bolton in High School Musical (2006-2008), a Disney franchise that revolutionized musical cinema for a new generation. The trilogy became a global phenomenon, making Efron a teen heartthrob and selling millions of soundtracks.
In The Iron Claw (2023), Efron portrays Kevin Von Erich, a performance that received critical acclaim and grossed over $45 million on a $15.9 million budget. The A24 biopic, directed by Sean Durkin, tells the story of the Von Erich family, a dynasty of professional wrestling in Texas in the 1980s.
In 2021, Efron won a Daytime Emmy Award for Down to Earth with Zac Efron (2020-2022), a Netflix travel show. His diverse filmography also includes Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019), where he played Ted Bundy.
- Understand how it all evolved: Where does the fascination with shark movies come from? From Steven Spielberg and practical effects to the use of AI
Raven-Symoné Produces on Disney Plus and Discusses LGBTQ+ Themes
Raven-Symoné won over audiences worldwide as the star of That’s So Raven (2003-2007). The show became one of the network’s biggest hits.
Currently, Raven-Symoné has returned to the Disney universe with Raven’s Home, a continuation of That’s So Raven. The show premiered in 2017 and continues to produce episodes for Disney Plus, with Raven serving as executive producer and lead.
The actress married Miranda Maday in 2020, becoming a spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ community in family entertainment. Her public statements about sexual orientation have sparked discussions about representation in Disney programming.
Cole and Dylan Sprouse: The Twins Are Still in Action
Cole and Dylan Sprouse starred in The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005-2008) and its sequel The Suite Life on Deck (2008-2011), becoming the most popular duo on Disney Channel.
After the shows ended, the brothers took different paths. Cole focused on professional photography and starred in Riverdale for seven seasons until 2023, playing Jughead Jones. Dylan joined the After franchise, playing Trevor in After We Collided. Dylan also starred in the Beautiful Disaster franchise alongside Virginia Gardner. Meanwhile, Dylan focused on entrepreneurial ventures, including the All-Wise Meadery in Brooklyn. Both completed their college studies in New York, showing interest in expanding their careers beyond acting.
Demi Lovato Continues with Music and Real Stories
Demi Lovato began their career on Disney Channel with Camp Rock (2008) and Sonny with a Chance (2009-2011). The Disney projects made Lovato a “double threat,” combining acting and music through soundtracks that achieved global commercial success.
Today, Lovato continues to balance music and activism after coming out as non-binary in 2021. The singer has released autobiographical documentaries exploring themes like addiction, eating disorders, and gender identity.
Continue Reading: Bride Hard Review – Rebel Wilson Stars in Chaotic, Hilarious Action Comedy
Zendaya Stars in Dune and Partners in the MCU
Zendaya began her career on Disney Channel starring in Shake It Up (2010-2013) alongside Bella Thorne. This production showcased Zendaya as a complete performer, combining acting, dance, and music in one of the channel’s most popular shows.
In her recent career, Zendaya has become one of the most influential actresses of her generation. She won the Emmy for Best Dramatic Actress for Euphoria in 2020 and 2022, playing Rue Bennett.
Her participation in the Dune franchise by Denis Villeneuve expanded her reach in science fiction cinema. Meanwhile, she continues to play MJ in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), solidifying her presence in both independent and blockbuster films.
Bella Thorne Directs Independent Films and Stars in Alternative Productions
Bella Thorne began her career on Disney Channel with Shake It Up (2010-2013), sharing the lead with Zendaya. In the most recent stage of her career, Bella Thorne has expanded her career beyond acting, directing independent titles like Her & Him (2023). Bella explores LGBTQ+ narratives and contemporary themes through her production company.
The actress continues to participate in horror and independent drama films, gradually moving away from mainstream productions. Her diversified entrepreneurial approach includes music, fashion, and technology investments.
Ryan Gosling: Ken, The Android Hunter
Ryan Gosling began his career as a mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club (1993-1994) alongside Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Justin Timberlake. The Disney show brought together talents who would become global superstars.
Decades later, Gosling surprised critics and audiences with his portrayal of Ken in Barbie (2023), directed by Greta Gerwig. His performance in Barbie earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, showcasing his versatility in transitioning between auteur dramas and commercial comedies. The song I’m Just Ken went viral on social media.
Gosling starred in Blade Runner 2049, which brought back the science fiction franchise. He plays K, a replicant android hunter, in a dense narrative about memory, identity, and what it means to be “real.”
Dominic Harrison Debuted on Disney Channel and Became A Rock’s Great Promises
Dominic Harrison appeared on The Lodge on Disney Channel UK alongside Luke Newton from Bridgerton and Thomas Doherty – The Invitation – in the 2010s. The show, a teen musical, told the story of Skye, who moves to a rural lodge in Northern Ireland and gets involved in love triangles with Ben and another boy, Sean. The TV experience developed his stage charisma and ease that would mark his later musical transition.
In his new phase, Harrison emerged as the voice of Gen Z in alternative rock. His self-titled album YUNGBLUD (2022) reached number one on the UK charts. The musician collaborated with celebrities like Machine Gun Kelly, Halsey, and Ozzy Osbourne, expanding his reach in the global music scene.
YUNGBLUD gave an emotional performance of “Changes” at the farewell show of Ozzy Osbourne, which was highly praised by the music industry and the “Prince of Darkness” himself.
The star has collaborated on soundtracks such as:
- The Fall Guy, directed by David Leitch, with a rendition of KISS’s classic “I Was Made For Lovin’ You”.
- Renfield with Nicolas Cage and Nicholas Hoult, with an original composition “superdeadfriends”.
Y2K Continues to Set Trends in 2025
They grew up in front of the cameras, in shows and films that shaped an entire generation. Twenty-five years later, they remain present — with distinct choices, but equally expressive. Some maintain a direct connection with the audience that followed them from the start. Others took unexpected paths: from commercial pop to independent productions, from broadcast TV to major festivals.
Between year-end specials, biopics, sold-out shows, and standout awards, these figures show that time does not limit. It only expands the possibilities.
You might be interested in:
