As of 2026, the cast of The Sandlot 2 has navigated diverse paths, ranging from high-profile roles in the Star Wars universe and acclaimed television dramas to successful careers outside of the entertainment industry. While some members like Max Lloyd-Jones and Sean Berdy remain active in Hollywood, others have transitioned into production or private life.
The Legacy of the 2005 Sequel
When The Sandlot 2 was released direct-to-video in 2005, it faced the monumental task of following one of the most beloved sports films in cinematic history. Directed by David Mickey Evans—the same creative force behind the 1993 original—the sequel shifted the timeline to 1972. It introduced a new generation of kids to the legendary "Great Fear" and the challenges of the neighborhood ball field.
Over the two decades since its release, the film has earned its own cult following. For the young actors involved, it served as a definitive turning point. As we look at the cast in 2026, the trajectory of their lives reflects the standard complexity of child stardom: the transition from adolescent performer to adult professional.
Max Lloyd-Jones (David Durango)
Max Lloyd-Jones played David Durango, the "cool kid" and leader of the new Sandlot crew. In the years following the film, Lloyd-Jones successfully transitioned from a teen heartthrob to a versatile character actor and technical performer.
By 2026, Lloyd-Jones is perhaps best known to modern audiences for a role where his face was largely hidden or altered. He gained significant industry attention for his work with Lucasfilm, specifically serving as the "Double for Jedi" (the on-set body double for a young Luke Skywalker) in the Season 2 finale of The Mandalorian and subsequently in The Book of Boba Fett. This role required a high level of physical precision to match the movements of a young Mark Hamill, which were then overlaid with de-aging technology.
Beyond the galaxy far, far away, Lloyd-Jones maintained a steady presence on television. He held recurring roles in series such as When Calls the Heart (as Tom Thornton) and Project Blue Book. He also appeared in the blockbuster War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) as Blue Eyes. In 2026, he continues to work in both independent films and major television guest spots, often praised for his ability to handle both physical action and grounded drama.
Sean Berdy (Sammy "Fingers" Samuelson)
Sean Berdy, who played the deaf character Sammy "Fingers" Samuelson, has arguably become the most prominent breakout star of the sequel’s cast. Berdy, who is deaf in real life, used The Sandlot 2 as a springboard to advocate for better representation of the Deaf community in Hollywood.
Following the film, Berdy landed the career-defining role of Emmett Bledsoe in the ABC Family/Freeform series Switched at Birth (2011–2017). His performance earned him a nomination for a Teen Choice Award and solidified his status as a role model. He followed this success with a starring role as Sam Eliot in the Netflix series The Society (2019). Although the series was abruptly canceled due to the pandemic despite a renewal, Berdy's performance was a highlight for critics and fans alike.
In the mid-2020s, Berdy shifted some of his focus toward directing and producing, working on projects that emphasize American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. By 2026, he is recognized not just as an actor, but as a significant creative voice in the movement for inclusive storytelling, often speaking at film festivals and workshops about the evolution of accessibility in media.
Brett Kelly (Mac)
Before playing the junk-food-loving Mac in The Sandlot 2, Brett Kelly was already a household name due to his iconic role as "The Kid" (Thurman Merman) in the 2003 cult classic Bad Santa.
Kelly’s career post-Sandlot has been characterized by a selective approach to acting. He reprised his role as Thurman Merman in Bad Santa 2 (2016), showing a rare ability to revisit a character across different stages of life. He also appeared in the dark comedy Trick 'r Treat and the stoner comedy High School.
More recently, Kelly found success in the Canadian legal drama Family Law, which began airing in 2021. In the series, he plays Cecil Patterson, a quirky and intelligent office assistant. This role allowed Kelly to move away from the "child star" archetype and establish himself as a dependable comedic and character actor in adult roles. In 2026, he remains a staple of the Vancouver acting scene, balancing television work with his personal interests.
Samantha Burton (Hayley Goodfairer)
Samantha Burton played Hayley Goodfairer, the talented pitcher and daughter of a NASA engineer who broke the gender barrier on the Sandlot. Her character was a pivotal part of the sequel's updated dynamics.
Unlike her co-stars, Burton did not pursue a long-term career in front of the camera. The Sandlot 2 remains her primary acting credit. However, she did not leave the industry entirely. Burton transitioned into the "behind-the-scenes" world, working in production and casting for several years. She notably served as a crew member on reality television staples like Project Runway.
By 2026, Burton has largely moved into a private professional life outside of the Hollywood spotlight. She is often remembered by fans for providing a strong, athletic female lead in a genre that—at the time—was heavily male-dominated. Her legacy remains tied to the empowerment her character represented for young girls playing sports in the mid-2000s.
The Supporting Cast: James Willson, Cole Evan Weiss, and Neilen Benvegnu
The core group of the Sandlot often featured actors who decided that the Hollywood lifestyle was not their ultimate calling.
- James Willson (Johnnie Smalls): Playing the younger brother of the original protagonist (Scotty Smalls), Willson had the difficult task of bridging the two films. After The Sandlot 2, Willson stepped away from professional acting to focus on his education and a private career.
- Cole Evan Weiss (Saul): Weiss had a few credits prior to the film, including The Close. Like many child actors of the era, he chose to pursue other ventures after the film’s release. He has maintained a very low public profile in the years leading up to 2026.
- Neilen Benvegnu (Fingers): Benvegnu’s role as the "narrator" of sorts among the kids was his most significant credit. He eventually left the acting world to pursue a traditional career path, reportedly working in the tech and sales sectors in the California area.
Directorial Influence: David Mickey Evans
To understand where the cast is now, one must look at the director, David Mickey Evans. Evans has spent much of the last two decades as the "custodian" of the Sandlot brand. In the years leading up to 2026, Evans has been involved in various attempts to revive the franchise, including a long-discussed television series that would reunite cast members from the original 1993 film.
Evans’ insistence on casting actual children with genuine chemistry is why The Sandlot 2 cast remains close. Many of them still appear at "Nostalgia Cons" and baseball-themed charity events, proving that while their careers diverged, the bond formed on that Salt Lake City set in 2004 remains intact.
Career Comparison Table (2026 Status)
The following table summarizes the career paths of the primary cast members as they stand in 2026.
| Actor | Character | Notable Post-Sandlot Project | Primary Status in 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Lloyd-Jones | David Durango | The Mandalorian / Star Wars | Active Actor & Performance Artist |
| Sean Berdy | Sammy "Fingers" | Switched at Birth / The Society | Actor, Director, & Deaf Advocate |
| Brett Kelly | Mac | Bad Santa 2 / Family Law | Active Television Actor |
| Samantha Burton | Hayley Goodfairer | Project Runway (Production) | Retired from Acting / Production |
| James Willson | Johnnie Smalls | N/A | Private Citizen |
| Cole Evan Weiss | Saul | The Close | Private Citizen |
| Neilen Benvegnu | Fingers | N/A | Business / Tech Sector |
| Jessica King | Rockets | N/A | Private Citizen |
The Enduring Appeal of the Sandlot Franchise
The fascination with "where they are now" regarding the Sandlot 2 cast stems from the unique place the franchise holds in American pop culture. Unlike many direct-to-video sequels that are quickly forgotten, The Sandlot 2 benefitted from the massive explosion of DVD sales in the mid-2000s and later, the advent of streaming services like Disney+.
In 2026, the film is frequently viewed by a third generation of fans. This evergreen status ensures that even the cast members who left the industry are frequently rediscovered. The "Sandlot" name carries a weight of Americana and nostalgia that few other sports franchises can match, leading to a permanent interest in the lives of those who played on that dusty field.
Challenges of the Child Actor Transition
The varying paths of the Sandlot 2 cast highlight the inherent challenges of the industry. For actors like Sean Berdy, the film was a tool for social change. For others, it was a fun summer job before heading back to high school and eventually "normal" careers.
The industry in 2026 is much more attuned to the mental health and long-term stability of child performers than it was in 2005. Many members of this cast have spoken in retrospective interviews about the "bubble" of filming a movie in Utah and the surreal experience of returning to regular life afterward. Their ability to transition—whether into Star Wars stardom or a career in the private sector—speaks to a level of resilience common among the "Evans-era" child actors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did any of the original Sandlot cast appear in the sequel?
Yes. James Earl Jones reprised his role as Mr. Mertle. His presence served as the primary narrative link between the 1962 setting of the first film and the 1972 setting of the second. In the context of the story, he remains the owner of the legendary dog (or the descendant of the dog) and the keeper of the neighborhood's baseball lore.
Who is the most successful actor from The Sandlot 2?
Success is subjective, but in terms of consistent Hollywood visibility, Sean Berdy and Max Lloyd-Jones share the title. Berdy is a major figure in the Deaf community and a TV lead, while Lloyd-Jones has integrated himself into the highest-grossing franchise in history (Star Wars) through his specialized performance work.
Are Max Lloyd-Jones and Samantha Burton still together?
There were long-standing rumors and "shipping" among fans during the mid-2000s regarding a real-life romance between the two leads. However, as of 2026, there is no public evidence to suggest they are a couple. They have maintained a friendly professional distance, as is common with child co-stars who move into different life phases.
Is there a third Sandlot movie?
Yes. The Sandlot: Heading Home was released in 2007. It featured a completely different cast (with the exception of Chauncey Leopardi returning as Squints) and focused on a time-travel plot. It did not feature the cast of The Sandlot 2.
Why did Samantha Burton stop acting?
Burton has never released a formal statement regarding her "retirement," but her career path is typical for many young actors who find that their interests lie in the production side of the industry rather than being in front of the camera. Her work on Project Runway suggests a preference for the technical and organizational aspects of television.
Final Thoughts for Fans
If you are looking to follow the current work of the Sandlot 2 cast in 2026, your best bets are to watch the latest Star Wars spin-offs to spot Max Lloyd-Jones or follow Sean Berdy’s advocacy work and independent film projects. While the "team" has long since gone their separate ways, the 21st anniversary of the film serves as a reminder that the spirit of the Sandlot—friendship, summer, and the love of the game—continues to resonate, regardless of where the individual players ended up.
