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10 Shocking Facts About Blended: The Drew Barrymore & Adam Sandler Movie That Just Turned 10

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Despite being released over a decade ago, the 2014 romantic comedy *Blended*, starring the iconic duo Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler, continues to be a fan favorite, especially as the film celebrates its 10th anniversary in May 2024. This third collaboration between Barrymore’s Lauren Reynolds and Sandler’s Jim Friedman solidified their on-screen chemistry, proving that their partnership is one of Hollywood's most enduring and successful. The film, which follows two single parents who are disastrously set up on a blind date only to coincidentally end up at the same African safari resort, has a surprisingly rich history and a cast of young actors whose careers have since skyrocketed.

The enduring appeal of *Blended* lies not only in its heartwarming "blended family" message but also in the fresh, funny dynamic the two leads bring to the screen, a formula they perfected in *The Wedding Singer* and *50 First Dates*. With recent confirmation that a fourth Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore movie is officially "coming," now is the perfect time to look back at the film's most shocking behind-the-scenes details, the challenging South Africa filming, and the incredible career paths of the child stars who stole the show.

Drew Barrymore: Full Biography and Profile

Drew Blythe Barrymore is an American actress, producer, talk show host, and businesswoman, widely recognized as a member of the legendary Barrymore family of actors. Her career is a remarkable journey from child stardom, overcoming personal struggles, to becoming a respected media mogul and Hollywood veteran.

  • Birth Name: Drew Blythe Barrymore
  • Date of Birth: February 22, 1975
  • Birth Place: Culver City, California, United States
  • Parents: John Drew Barrymore and Ildiko Jaid
  • Key Professions: Actress, Film Producer, Talk Show Host (*The Drew Barrymore Show*), Author, and Businesswoman (Founder of Flower Films and Flower Beauty).
  • Breakthrough Role: Gertie in Steven Spielberg’s *E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial* (1982).
  • Notable Romantic Comedies with Adam Sandler:
    • *The Wedding Singer* (1998)
    • *50 First Dates* (2004)
    • *Blended* (2014)

The Blended Child Stars: Where Are They Now in 2024?

One of the most surprising aspects of *Blended* is the incredible talent of the young cast who played Jim’s three daughters and Lauren’s two sons. A decade later, these actors have gone on to star in some of the biggest franchises and most critically acclaimed television shows, demonstrating the film's eye for future star power.

1. Bella Thorne (Hilary Friedman)

Bella Thorne played Hilary Friedman, Jim’s oldest daughter who is often mistaken for a boy due to her short haircut and sporty clothes. Thorne was already an established Disney Channel star when she was cast in *Blended* at age 15.

  • Role in *Blended*: Hilary Friedman, the awkward but sweet older sister who undergoes a transformation at the African resort.
  • Current Career (2024): Following *Blended*, Thorne pivoted to more mature roles, starring in films like *The Babysitter* and *Infamous*. She is also a recognized author and musician, consistently taking on projects that challenge her public image and expanding her career beyond acting into directing and producing.

2. Emma Fuhrmann (Espn Friedman)

Emma Fuhrmann played Espn Friedman, the middle daughter who constantly talks to her deceased mother. Her career trajectory is arguably the most surprising, connecting the feel-good comedy of *Blended* to the epic scale of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

  • Role in *Blended*: Espn Friedman, the sensitive, baseball-loving daughter.
  • Current Career (2024): Fuhrmann’s biggest role post-*Blended* was playing the teenage version of Cassie Lang in the blockbuster film *Avengers: Endgame* (2019). While the role was later recast for *Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania*, her appearance in one of the highest-grossing films of all time remains a major career highlight and a fun piece of trivia for *Blended* fans.

3. Alyvia Alyn Lind (Lou Friedman)

Alyvia Alyn Lind, the youngest of the Friedman girls, stole scenes as the adorable, curious Lou. Her post-Blended career has been extremely successful, particularly in the horror and television genres.

  • Role in *Blended*: Lou Friedman, the youngest daughter who becomes attached to Lauren Reynolds.
  • Current Career (2024): Lind has starred in major television roles, including Faith Newman on the soap opera *The Young and the Restless* and, most notably, as Lexy Cross in the critically acclaimed horror series *Chucky* from 2021 to 2024. Her work in *Chucky* has established her as a prominent young actress in the horror-comedy space.

Behind-The-Scenes Secrets and the Future of the Barrymore-Sandler Partnership

The production of *Blended* was a significant undertaking, primarily shot on location in the stunning but challenging environment of South Africa. The film’s director, Frank Coraci, who also directed *The Wedding Singer*, ensured the production captured the authentic beauty of the African landscape, using the opulent Sun City resort, specifically the Lost City, as the backdrop for the family vacation.

Drew Barrymore’s Motherhood Challenge

One of the most endearing facts about the production is Drew Barrymore's personal state during filming. She was a new mother to her daughter, Olive, who was just six months old when shooting began. Balancing the demands of an international film shoot, which included complex physical comedy scenes like the parasailing sequence, while caring for an infant, was a true testament to her commitment to the role of Lauren Reynolds.

The Physical Comedy and Ensemble Cast

Director Frank Coraci praised Barrymore for her dedication to the physical comedy, noting that she took on much of the "heavy lifting" for the humor. The film was also elevated by a strong ensemble cast, including Terry Crews as the musical-loving Nickens, Wendi McLendon-Covey as Lauren's best friend Jen, and Joel McHale as Lauren's ex-husband, Mark. The chemistry among the entire group, especially the family dynamics, is what gives the movie its lasting charm.

The Fourth Collaboration is Confirmed

The biggest news for fans of the duo is the recent confirmation that Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are actively planning their fourth movie together. While details remain scarce, both actors have publicly expressed their desire to reunite on-screen, recognizing the unique magic they create. This announcement comes on the heels of the 10th anniversary of *Blended* and the recent excitement surrounding the development of a *Happy Gilmore 2* sequel, demonstrating that Sandler and his frequent collaborators are as busy and relevant as ever in 2024 and 2025. This next project is highly anticipated to continue their legacy as one of cinema’s most beloved romantic comedy pairings.

From a challenging international shoot to launching the careers of future MCU and horror stars, *Blended* is more than just a typical rom-com. It’s a milestone in the Barrymore-Sandler partnership, a showcase for a talented young cast, and a charming story that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

blended movie drew barrymore
blended movie drew barrymore

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