Y2K is an American disaster comedy-horror film directed by Kyle Mooney. Written by Mooney and Evan Winter, the film had its theatrical release on December 6, 2024, by A24.
Three best friends, Eli, Danny, and Garrett, plan their 1999 New Year's Eve in Y2K. Eli loves Laura secretly but hesitates to confess. Laura and her friends crash Soccer Chris' party, and technology mysteriously turns against everyone. Electronic devices cause violence and death.
With others, Eli, Danny, and Laura escape the machines' relentless attacks. After creating a kill code to stop "Amalgamation," Laura fights its growing power. Eli and Laura stop the algorithm in the final battle, saving humanity. Five years later, a hint suggests the threat persists.
The film stars Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, Fred Durst, and Alicia Silverstone, reimagining the chaos of a real-life tech scare from the late 1990s.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers.
Here is the main cast list of Y2K:
Jaeden Martell, as Eli, plays the role of a shy high schooler who has a crush on Laura, one of the most popular girls in school. As the movie progresses, he transitions from an awkward teenager to a courageous leader. He confronts the chaos caused by sentient technology and his insecurities, ultimately becoming the hero who saves the day by shutting down the "Amalgamation" and protecting his friends.
Jaeden Martell, born on January 4, 2003, in Philadelphia, is known for his roles in IT (2017) as Bill Denbrough, Knives Out (2019) as Jacob Thrombey, and Metal Lords (2022). On television, he appeared in Defending Jacob and Barry's series finale.
Laura, played by Rachel Zegler, is one of the most popular girls in school and someone Eli adores. She initially seems out of reach for Eli but becomes integral to the group’s survival. Laura’s intelligence and resourcefulness are critical in creating the kill code that ultimately disables the sentient technology.
Rachel, born May 3, 2001, got popular for playing Maria in West Side Story (2021). She played Anthea in Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023) and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2024). Zegler will play Snow White in Disney's live-action adaptation.
The character Danny is played by Julian Dennison. Danny is Eli’s best friend and a humorous, supportive figure. He encourages Eli to pursue Laura and accompanies him to crash the New Year’s Eve party. Despite his comedic nature, Danny’s loyalty and bravery shine throughout the story until his tragic death while trying to escape the deadly machines.
Julian Dennison was born in Lower Hutt, New Zealand, on October 16, 2002. His big break came with the movie Hunt for the Wilderpeople. He also had major parts in Godzilla vs. Kong (2021) and Deadpool 2 (2018) as Firefist. He will play Fishlegs Ingerman in the live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon.
Kyle Mooney is also the director of the A24 disaster comedy Y2K. Mooney plays Garrett, a stoner who joins the teenagers in their fight against the machines. Despite his laid-back demeanor, Garrett proves to be a valuable ally. His comedic personality adds levity to the intense and chaotic events of the story.
Born September 4, 1984, Mooney is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and director. He rose to fame on Saturday Night Live from 2013 to 2022. Mooney co-created Saturday Morning All Star Hits! and co-wrote and starred in Brigsby Bear. The USC School of Cinematic Arts graduate was a Good Neighbour sketch group member.
Fred Durst plays a fictionalized version of himself, joining the group of survivors during their fight against the machines. His role brings a nostalgic element, tying the movie to the late 1990s.
William Frederick Durst is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and director, best known as the frontman of the nu-metal band Limp Bizkit, formed in 1994. Born on August 20, 1970, in Jacksonville, Florida, he later moved to North Carolina.
Over his career, Fred has released six studio albums with Limp Bizkit and ventured into filmmaking with titles like The Education of Charlie Banks and The Fanatic. Beyond music and film, Fred has worked as a landscaper and tattoo artist.
The supporting cast and characters of Y2K include:
Kyle Mooney, known for his comedic style, steps into the director’s chair for Y2K. Collaborating with co-writer Evan Winter, Mooney brings an alternate-history narrative to life. Produced by A24, the film leverages a nostalgic aesthetic, appealing to fans of late-1990s culture.
Stay tuned for more news and updates on Y2K as the new year progresses.