Trending Now - Stand by Me' Cast Remembers Film's Legacy 40 Years on
WHO:
Rob Reiner, filmmaker
Jerry O’Connell, actor
Corey Feldman, actor
Wil Wheaton, actor
River Phoenix, actor (deceased)
WHAT:
“Stand by Me” is returning to theaters for one week.
The film is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The trio of O’Connell, Feldman, and Wheaton attended screenings of the film prior to Reiner's death.
The film earned over $52 million in its initial run in the late summer of 1986.
Norman Lear funded the film with “$8 million and change.”
A 4K restoration of the film is being released in select theaters in the U.S. and Canada.
WHERE:
Screenings took place in multiple cities, including Anaheim, California; Seattle; Portland, Oregon; Indianapolis; and Chicago.
The film is set in Oregon.
WHEN:
The film was originally released in 1986.
Rob Reiner passed away in December 2025.
The screenings and tour began in March 2026.
The 4K restoration will be in theaters starting on Friday, March 31st, 2026.
WHY:
The reunion of the actors was motivated by their grief over Reiner's passing and a desire to honor his legacy.
The film's themes of youthful friendships and adventure resonate with audiences across generations.
HOW:
The actors are participating in a multi-city tour to promote the film and honor Reiner.
The film was made possible through funding from Norman Lear after initial financial backing was refused.
(UPDATED March 26, 2026 03:54 UTC)
"Stand by Me," the beloved film celebrating its 40th anniversary, is returning to theaters for one week, featuring a 4K restoration that will hit select screens in the U.S. and Canada starting on March 31. The reunion of actors Jerry O’Connell, Corey Feldman, and Wil Wheaton comes as they honor the legacy of filmmaker Rob Reiner, who passed away in December 2025, and reflects their shared grief over his loss. Originally released in 1986, the film earned over $52 million during its initial run and continues to resonate with audiences through its themes of youthful friendships and adventure.