Released in 1988, the dark comedy 'Heathers' follows a clique of popular high school girls (all named Heather) who invite newcomer Veronica (Winona Ryder) into their group. But Veronica is quickly fed up with all of their vanity and cruelty, and hatches a plan with her new, similarly dark-minded beau to take the trio down. Twenty-five years later, we take a look back at the cast of the film and see where they are now.

Winona Ryder, Veronica Sawyer

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Then: Jennifer Connelly turned down the role of Veronica Sawyer, who is already tired of the Heathers clique when the film begins and is plotting a way to dismantle the group. Winona Ryder, who was 16 at the time and appeared in the film 'Beetlejuice,' desperately wanted the role -- and she got it, making it one of her most iconic parts.

Now: Ryder recently re-teamed with her 'Beetlejuice' director Tim Burton for the animated film 'Frankenweenie.' She appeared in 'The Iceman' alongside Michael Shannon, and can be seen next in 'Homefront' with Jason Statham and James Franco.

Christian Slater, Jason "J.D." Dean

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Then: Christian Slater, who had previously appeared in 'The Wizard,' played J.D., the new guy at school with a very dark sense of humor. Veronica is drawn to him when he pulls a gun on some jocks, and uses him to help her take down the Heathers. Brad Pitt auditioned for the role, but the producers found him to come off as too nice and unbelievable.

Now: Slater recently appeared in 'Bullet to the Head,' and can be seen next in Lars von Trier's controversial new film 'Nymphomaniac.' He also stars in the pilot of the upcoming series 'Mind Games.'

Shannen Doherty, Heather Duke

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Then: 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' star Shannen Doherty portrayed Heather Duke, the smarter Heather known for being bulimic. Doherty had also previously starred on the series 'Little House on the Prairie.'

Now: Doherty went on to star in 'Beverly Hills, 90210,' and reprised her role for eight episodes in the updated '90210' series on The CW. In 2012, she starred in the Syfy movie 'Witchslayer Gretl' and in her own reality series on WEtv called 'Shannen Says.'

Lisanne Falk, Heather McNamara

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Then: Lisanne Falk played Heather McNamara, the cheerleader who just goes along with whatever the other Heathers are doing. Heather Graham, then 17, wanted to play the role, but her mother wouldn't let her participate in the movie.

Now: Falk quit acting in the '90s, following appearances in the films 'Suicide Kings' and 'Shattered Image,' though she did appear in a 2002 short film titled 'Casablanca.'

Kim Walker, Heather Chandler

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Then: Kim Walker played Heather Chandler, the strong-willed leader of the Heathers clique.

Now: Walker went on to appear in the films 'Say Anything,' 'The Outsiders' and 'A Reason to Believe' (above photo). She tragically died of brain cancer in 2001, at the age of 32.

Patrick Labyorteaux, Ram Sweeney

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Then: Patrick Labyorteaux was Doherty's co-star on 'Little House on the Prairie' before reuniting with the actress in 'Heathers' as Ram Sweeney, a bullying football player.

Now: Labyorteaux has made appearances on the shows 'Dexter,' 'iCarly' and 'Ghost Whisperer,' and he had a small role in the Jim Carrey film 'Yes Man.'

Phill Lewis, Dennis

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Then: Phill Lewis played Dennis, the school's yearbook editor.

Now: Lewis went on to star on TV series like 'The Wayans Brothers' and 'The Suite Life on Deck,' and has appeared on the shows 'Scrubs' and 'Yes, Dear.' He recently reprised his 'Suite Life' role for 'The Suite Life Movie' in 2001.

Renee Estevez, Betty Finn

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Then: Renee Estevez played Veronica's nerdy former BFF Betty Finn. Estevez is the daughter of Martin Sheen and the sister of Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen.

Now: Estevez appeared in 'The Way,' directed by brother Emilio and starring her father, Martin. She has also appeared on episodes of 'The West Wing' (with Martin Sheen) and 'JAG.'