The Rise of Taj is a time capsule of 2006 comedy. But for fans of Harold & Kumar , The Walking Dead , or just weird early-2000s sequels, revisiting this cast is a fun trip down memory lane.
Would you want to see Taj return for a modern-day sequel? Drop your thoughts in the comments below
Kal Penn proves he can lead a comedy with manic energy. Lauren Cohan gives a pre-fame performance that hints at her dramatic range. And the supporting cast of British and American character actors sells the absurd culture-clash premise. van wilder 2 the rise of taj cast
Cozens remains active in British film and TV, often playing comedic or period roles. He has appeared in The Crown (in a minor role), The King’s Speech , and various BBC dramas. He also co-founded a theatre company, balancing screen work with his first love: the stage. Holly Davidson (Sadie) As the brash, sexually liberated American student who helps Taj navigate Camford’s weird customs, Holly Davidson brought a slice of American Pie energy to the UK.
While many remember him as Kumar in the Harold & Kumar franchise, Penn has had a fascinating post- Van Wilder career. He served as the Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement under President Barack Obama. He’s also had major TV roles in Designated Survivor , House (as Dr. Lawrence Kutner), and Clarice . Most recently, he stars in the legal dramedy The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix. Lauren Cohan (Charlotte Higginson) Playing the love interest—a cynical, pre-med student who falls for Taj’s bizarre charm—was a pre- Walking Dead Lauren Cohan. Her Charlotte provided the straight-laced anchor to Taj’s chaos. The Rise of Taj is a time capsule of 2006 comedy
Checks notes. Still busy being the busiest man in Hollywood. Deadpool , Red Notice , The Adam Project , Spirited , and owning a soccer club. Doing okay for a guy who bailed on the sequel. Why the Cast Worked (Even When the Script Didn’t) Van Wilder 2 isn't a masterpiece. The jokes are uneven, the plot is a recycled Revenge of the Nerds , and the budget clearly ran out before the third act. However, the cast commits to the bit completely.
Rathman has worked steadily in television, with guest spots on CSI: Miami , How I Met Your Mother , and Shameless . He’s also a successful commercial actor and voice artist. He largely left the “gross-out comedy” genre behind for more family-friendly and dramatic fare. The Cameo You Forgot: Ryan Reynolds Technically, the film promised a "special appearance" by Ryan Reynolds as the original Van Wilder. In reality? It’s a split-second, non-speaking shot of Reynolds in a yearbook photo and a brief voiceover. It was a marketing gimmick, but it still counts. Drop your thoughts in the comments below Kal
Percival has largely stepped away from Hollywood blockbusters, focusing instead on British television and theatre. You might have caught him in episodes of Doctors , Holby City , or Casualty . He’s also a respected voice actor for video games and audio dramas. Anthony Cozens (Pip) As Simon’s bumbling, dim-witted sidekick Pip, Anthony Cozens was the comedic punching bag of the film. From falling off horses to accidental nudity, Pip took the physical comedy lumps with glee.