Here’s What The Toro Cheerleaders Would Look Like If They Were Latinas
Few films have gotten the honor of reaching cult teen movie status like the 2000 classic “Bring It On.” The film, a mega-hit about two dueling cheerleader teams, has stood the test of time. Though it’s a movie about cheerleading on its surface, the themes of cultural appropriation and female empowerment are still relevant today. Nearly 20 years later, the antics of the Toros and the Clovers continue to be an entertaining watch. Still, we can’t help thinking how much better “Bring It On” would be if it was given a touch of the Latinidad with a fresh recast.
1. Selena Gomez as Torrence
Perky Torrence is the brand new cheer squad captain of the Rancho Carne Toros. The excitement of her new position quickly dulls when she realizes that she’s got some big shoes to fill. Originally played by Kirsten Dunst, Selena Gomez is perfect actress to fill this role. We know Gomez already has some killer moves already and that bubbly attitude of hers just screams “head cheerleader.”
2. Becky G as Missy
Full of fierce attitude, Missy is the new girl in school. Since Rancho Carne doesn’t have a gymnastics team, Missy has to settle for the next best thing — even if that means putting up with the air headed cheer team. Played by Eliza Dushku in the OG “Bring It On,” pop star Becky G is just the mujer to bring the Chigona POV to the Toros.
3. Tyler Posey as Cliff
Dreamboat Cliff is also new to Ranco Carne and he already has his sights on Torrence. Jesse Bradford played Cliff in the original movie but for our Latinx version, Tyler Posey is our guy. Charming high school senior by day, alternative rocker at night; we can totally see Posey crooning a love song to Gomez’s Torrence.
4. Cardi B as Isis
Head-Boss-Lady-In-Charge, Isis is the cheer captain of the East Compton Clovers. When she discovers the Toros have been stealing their moves, she rallies her Clovers to win Nationals. Played by Gabriel Union in the original movie, Cardi B is the only Afro-Latina who can bring the same level of fierceness to the role. We already know Cardi has the moves and there’s no question she can rep the Clovers as their leader.
5. Bella Thorne as Big Red
The former boss of the Toros, Big Red — played by Lindsay Sloane — is a force of nature. Not above flat out cheating to get what she wants, Big Red is the one who stole the Clovers’ routine for nationals. With this baggage, it’s going to take a formidable Latina to fill this role. That’s why Bella Thorne, with her fiery red hair and stellar acting chops, would be a perfect fit for our Latina Big Red.
6. Francia Raísa as Courtney
A member of the Rancho Carne Toros, Courtney is all confidence and sex appeal. She also has very strong opinions about who should and shouldn’t be a cheerleader and isn’t afraid to let it be known. Originally played by Clare Kramer, Francia Raísa is the perfect candidate for this role as she already has experience with the “Bring It On” franchise. The “Grown-ish” star played a cheerleader in “Bring It On: All Or Nothing.”
7. Auli’i Cravalho as Whitney
Dedicated cheerleader perfectionist Whitney is Courtney’s partner in crime. Just like Courtney, Whitney is very committed to the legacy of the Toros. Unfortunately, this dedication pushes the team into some questionable decisions. Originally played by Nicole Bilderback, Puerto Rican-Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho would bring a fresh dynamic to this role.
8. Diego Boneta as Aaron
In the original “Bring It On,” Richard Hillman plays Torrence’s boyfriend and former Torro, Aaron. At first, he seems like a handsome and wholesome all-American guy but, in actuality, he’s a no-good cheater. Actor Diego Boneta has all of Aaron’s charm and is handsome enough to play this role in the Latinx reboot. He also has the acting talent to portray the POV of a dirty cheater.
9. Kehlani as Jenelope
A member of the Clovers, Jenelope is a girl who is not here for anyone else’s attitude. Originally played by R&B artist Natina Reed, this role definitely needs another boss artist for the Latinx reboot. Afro-Latina and American singer/songwriter Kehlani can bring the pose and the moves to this Clover.
10. Herizen Gaurdiola as Lava
Isis’ other Clover comadre, Lava is just as heated about the Toros stealing their moves as her name suggests. Shamari Fears originally played Lava but, for the reboot, we need an awesome Afro-Latina actress. Herizen Guardiola of Netflix’s “The Get Down” is just who we need to bring fresh flavor to this supporting role.
11. John Leguizamo as Sparky Polastri
Eccentric, mean and intimidating, Sparky Polastri is a so-called professional dance coach. The Toros call him in when things start looking desperate but his methods are totally bizarre. To make matters worse, the routine he sells them has also been sold to rival cheer teams. The wacky performance was originally done by Ian Roberts but we can totally see John Leguizamo in this memorable role.