Where Are They Now: “The Neverending Story” Edition

In the summer of 1984, a curious little movie premiered in theaters, one which captivated audiences both young and old. Based on the novel The Neverending Story by Michael Ende, the film adaptation of the same name followed a young boy, Bastian, who finds a magical book about a mystical land called Fantasia. Through him, we meet a legion of colorful characters—Atreyu, the Childlike Empress, Rockbiter and Falkor the Luckdragon, to name a few—who are intent on defeating The Nothing, an encroaching darkness that is poised to consume everyone and everything. Over the course of the movie, Bastian gradually comes to the realization that it is he himself that holds the key to saving Fantasia, which he inevitably does.

After its release, the film garnered many positive reviews as well as numerous accolades, including a Golden Screen Award and several Saturn Awards. In addition, it spawned two sequels: The Neverending Story II—The Next Chapter and The Neverending Story III—Escape from Fantasia. Now, the original film is poised to be remade for new audiences to enjoy. Although a release date and official details have not yet been released, critically-acclaimed Peter Jackson is rumored to be directing the reboot, which is sure to be an instant classic.

Before that happens, however, let’s take a look at what the original cast is up to now!

Barret Oliver (Bastian Bux)

After playing Bastian in The Neverending Story, Barrett Oliver went on to score roles in D.A.R.Y.L, Cocoon, and Cocoon: The Return. His final acting credit, however, was in 1989, in which he starred in the film Scenes from the Class Struggle in Beverly Hills. He ended up leaving acting to join the Church of Scientology, marrying a fellow Scientologist when he was only 19. They have since divorced, and Oliver is now a printer and photographer whose specialty is 19th-century film processes. He published a book called A History of the Woodbury Type in 2007.

Noah Hathaway (Atreyu)

The Neverending Story made Noah Hathaway quite the 80s heartthrob and helped him score guest-starring roles on the shows Simon & Simon, Call to Glory and Family Ties, as well as a part in the film Troll. Nevertheless, he decided to take a break from acting in 1986, returning to it in 2012 by appearing in several B-rate movies, such as Sushi Girl, Blue Dream, The Chair and The Girl in a Coma. It is unclear as to whether he has any upcoming projects in the works.

Tami Stronach (The Childlike Empress)

Tami Stronach made her debut in The Neverending Story as the Childlike Empress that Bastian names Moonchild, and it was after that experience that she decided to leave acting behind, for the most part. She is now an accomplished dancer with the Neta Dance Company, an Israeli dance troupe based out of the U.S. In 2008, she resurfaced as an actress in the TV movie Fredy a Zlatovlaska and is slated to be appearing in the upcoming film Posledni z Aporveru.

Alan Oppenheimer (Voice of Falkor, Gmork, Rockbiter and the narrator of “The Neverending Story)

In addition to being a critically-acclaimed character actor, Alan Oppenheimer has lent his voice to many projects, including The Neverending Story. Some of his other notable voice-acting roles include He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, Rambo, and Ghostbusters. He has also guest-starred on several television shows, such as Night Court, Matlock, L.A. Law, Who’s the Boss, Mama’s Family, Life Goes On, Coach, Married with Children, Star Trek: Voyager, Touched by an Angel, Chicago Hope, Passions, Gilmore Girls and Til Death. He continues to do voice-acting for many video games and animated shows.

Deep Roy (Teeny Weeny)

Before landing the role of Teeny Weeny in The Neverending Story, Deep Roy—sometimes credited as Roy Deep—was making a name for himself through his work in The Pink Panther Strikes Again, The Dark Crystal and Doctor Who. Post-The Neverending Story, Roy has continued to rake in roles on several different projects, such as The X-Files, Planet of the Apes, The Haunted Mansion, Big Fish, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Star Trek, Star Trek: Into Darkness and Star Trek: Beyond.

Moses Gunn (Cairon)

Before playing Cairon, servant to the Childlike Empress, in The Neverending Story, Moses Gunn was already adding impressive acting credits to his resume, including roles in Shaft, Rollerball, Roots, Little House on the Prairie, Ragtime and Firestarter. He continued to guest-star on several television shows after starring in The Neverending Story, appearing on The Cosby Show, Equal Justice and Homicide: Life on the Street. Sadly, he passed away in 1993 due to complications from asthma.

Gerald McRaney (Mr. Bux)

Last but not least, we have Gerald McRaney, who played Bastian’s stern father, Mr. Bux. Around the time that The Neverending Story was released, McRaney was best known for starring in the shows Simon & Simon, Designing Women, and Major Dad. He has continued to find success on television; some of his recent credits include NCIS: Los Angeles, Longmire, House of Cards, Castle and This is Us. Fans can expect to see him in the upcoming TV movie Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.