TV & Movies

Bring on the nostalgia.

Naturally, the increasing tension between the two results in a spontaneous dance battle.

I was really nervous that Hilary wouldnt like me, theEven Stevensstar said in a September 2021 video.

As fans celebrate the 20th anniversary of Hilary Duff and Christy Carlson Romano’s ‘Cadet Kelly,’ he…

Luckily, those fears were unfounded as Duff was a classy gal and so bubbly and fun.

And I was too busy with my show, Romano said.

She said, I didnt just wanna play a one-note character.

Christy Carlson Romano and Hilary Duff starred in Cadet Kelly in 2002. Photo courtesy of Disney

Apparently,Duff and her mom helped Lewis with her early career.

IRL, Romano also had the hots for her costar.

Adding that Ashmore is a total gentleman, she said, I wish him nothing but the best.

Apparently,Romano and Ashmore werent the only ones datingon set.

It was really cute.

I think saluting took me the longest.

I dropped [the rifle] so many times, its so embarrassing.

Her hard work was acknowledged when she wasmade an honorary cadet sergeantat the military school where they filmed.

So aside from being Disney royalty, Duff has rank at the Robert Land Academy in Canada.

Remember Kellys iconic muddy stumble straight onto Jennifers white dress and the impressive choreography at the end?

Well, thats not the films only legacy.

In recent years, fans have pointed out thatCadet Kellyhas LGBTQ+ undertones.

In an interview withCosmopolitanlast January, Duff was asked about herthoughts on the movie being queer-coded.

She admitted she didnt know until aHow I Met Your Fatherco-starpointed it out.

It is a moment in the queer community.

All that close-talking with Jennifer, Duff said, adding, If it helped anybody, I hope so.

Similarly, Romano didnt predict how the film would impact the LGBTQ+ communities.

People are saying that maybe [Kelly and Jennifer] were in love.

Maybe there was like an undercurrent of tension between the two girls.

It really helped a lot of girls identify their sexuality,she shared via YouTube.

That’s crazy, Romano said, adding, I never even thought about that.

I’m very flattered.

This article was originally published onMarch 8, 2022