The Triumphant Return of ’80s and ’90s Stars in Indie Films

Lately, I find myself sitting in a dark movie theater, whispering, “Wait — I didn’t know they were in this!” It’s a thrilling surprise that’s becoming more common, and it got me thinking: where have some of our favorite stars been all these years?

The truth is, Hollywood hasn’t always been kind to actors as they age. The industry loves building up its stars — convincing us to fall in love with their every move on the big and small screens — only to eventually replace them with a younger, shinier version. It’s an unfortunate cycle, but one we’ve come to expect.

But now, something refreshing is happening. More and more icons from the 1980s and 1990s are making bold, brilliant comebacks — and they’re doing it on their own terms, through indie films that allow them to shine like never before.

Take the dazzling Demi Moore, for instance. A key member of the legendary Brat Pack, Moore roared back into the spotlight with the indie hit “The Substance.” Her powerhouse performance not only earned rave reviews but also led her to sweep award season — taking home the Golden Globe for Best Actress at the 80th Awards and landing an Oscar nomination. (She may not have taken home the Oscar, but her stunning return at 62 had fans and critics alike celebrating her talent and resilience.)

And Demi is hardly alone. Across the indie landscape, we’re seeing a wave of familiar faces reemerge — and audiences couldn’t be happier.

In honor of my latest episodes of Hollywood Obsessed (Episodes 115 and 116), featuring an incredible conversation with the supremely talented French Stewart — yes, the unforgettable Harry Solomon from “3rd Rock from the Sun!” — I wanted to spotlight this exciting trend. Stewart is back in a big way himself, starring in the heartfelt indie film “Bob Trevino Likes It,” now playing in theaters.

These returns aren’t just nostalgic — they’re a testament to the enduring talent of these beloved stars. Even if it’s just for a moment, they’re reminding us why we fell in love with them in the first place.

Enjoy this celebration of second acts — and maybe discover a new favorite indie gem along the way.

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Bob Trevino Likes It – Starring French Stewart & John Leguizamo

Inspired by a true story from writer-director Tracie Laymon’s own life, “Bob Trevino Likes It” is quickly becoming the indie darling of spring 2025. A heartfelt film that’s been leaving audiences reaching for tissues, it’s also getting buzz for bringing ’90s favorites French Stewart and John Leguizamo back to the big screen.

Stewart, best known for “3rd Rock from the Sun” and more recently “Mom,” and Leguizamo, a Golden Globe nominee for “To Wong Foo” and star of hits like “Romeo + Juliet,” “John Wick,”and “The Menu,” shine in this emotional story.

The film follows Lily Trevino (played by “Euphoria’s” Barbie Ferreira), a young woman estranged from her father (Stewart). While searching his name on Facebook, she accidentally connects with a different Bob Trevino (Leguizamo) — and an unexpected friendship unfolds.

Now playing in theaters, “Bob Trevino Likes It" is a moving, must-see tearjerker that fans of indie films — and these beloved stars — won’t want to miss.

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The Substance – Starring Demi Moore

In her emotional Golden Globe acceptance speech, Demi Moore recalled a producer once calling her a “popcorn actress” — someone who could sell tickets but never earn serious recognition. “I believed him,” she said. “A few years ago, I thought my time had passed. Then “The Substance” landed in my hands — and the universe told me: you’re not done yet.”

That moment — and her stunning performance — made Moore the awards season darling. Though she narrowly missed an Oscar win, she delivered one of the greatest comeback stories of the 21st century.

Directed by Coralie Fargeat, The Substance follows Elisabeth Sparkle (Moore), a fading celebrity who uses a black-market drug to create a younger version of herself (played by Margaret Qualley), with terrifying consequences. Co-starring Dennis Quaid (another 80’s movie idol), this indie horror hit has been praised for its bold storytelling, winning Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 97th Academy Awards, among other honors.

Moore’s fearless, blood-soaked performance earned her a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award, SAG Award, and an Oscar nomination.

“The Substance” is now streaming on MUBI and available for rent or purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home. Don’t miss it!

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The Last Showgirl – Starring Pamela Anderson & Jamie Lee Curtis

If you were around in the ’90s, Pamela Anderson was impossible to miss—thanks to “Baywatch,” “Home Improvement,” and countless tabloid covers. While her film career never quite took off (“Barb Wire,” anyone?), Anderson is now earning long-overdue acclaim in “The Last Showgirl,” a 2024 indie drama directed by Gia Coppola.

The film follows Shelly, a veteran Las Vegas showgirl facing an uncertain future when her long-running revue is set to close. Coppola was inspired to cast Anderson after watching her 2023 documentary “Pamela, a Love Story.” Though Anderson had mostly stepped away from acting, the script eventually reached her via her son Brandon, leading to her official casting in early 2024.

Jamie Lee Curtis—fresh off her Oscar win and her own amazing comeback in 2023– co-stars alongside Dave Bautista, Brenda Song, Kiernan Shipka, and Billie Lourd.

Critics praised the film, with Anderson earning Best Actress nominations at the 82nd Golden Globes and 31st SAG Awards. Curtis also received a SAG and BAFTA nod for Best Supporting Actress.

“The Last Showgirl” is now available to buy or rent on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. It begins streaming on Hulu May 23, 2025.

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Daddio – Starring Sean Penn

Sean Penn has played countless unforgettable roles since his 1981 debut in “Taps,” but many still remember him best as Jeff Spicoli, the iconic surfer from “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Penn later won two Oscars for “Mystic River” (2003) and “Milk” (2008).

In 2023, Penn made a quiet yet impactful return to form “Daddio,” a small indie film written, directed, and produced by Christy Hall. Co-starring Dakota Johnson (who also produced), the story follows a young woman and her taxi driver (Penn) as they share an intimate conversation during a cab ride from JFK to Manhattan.

Penn admitted he hadn’t felt true joy making movies in over 15 years—until Johnson, his neighbor, knocked on his door with the script for “Daddio.” Reading it, he said, made him feel the same excitement as working on his very first film.

“Daddio” is currently streaming on Netflix and available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Fandango At Home, Microsoft Store, and Spectrum On Demand.

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Being Maria – Starring Matt Dillon

In the 1980s, Matt Dillon was the ultimate cool guy—an edgy heartthrob who made his mark with films like “The Outsiders,” “Rumble Fish,” and “The Flamingo Kid.” He later built a lasting career with standout roles in “Drugstore Cowboy,” “There’s Something About Mary,” and “Wild Things.”

Now, Dillon is earning fresh acclaim for his portrayal of Marlon Brando in “Being Maria,” a French biopic about actress Maria Schneider that premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Jessica Palud, the film explores Schneider’s experience making “Last Tango in Paris” and the fame and scandal that followed. Anamaria Vartolomei stars as Maria, with Dillon in a key supporting role.

“Being Maria” is currently playing in select theaters (tickets available on Fandango) and is also available to rent on Amazon Video.

If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to add it to your must-watch list!

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Some facts are taken from IMDB & Wikipedia.

Don't miss my captivating interview with the incredible French Stewart! He shares wild behind-the-scenes stories, Hollywood chaos, and insights into his latest film “Bob Travino Likes It” in the two latest episodes of the Hollywood Obsessed podcast. You’ll find exclusive insights and stories that you won’t hear anywhere else!

Click the links below to listen now and get inspired!

Episode 115 - HERE

Episode 116 - HERE