Over the past decade, Samara Weaving has carved out a niche as a modern “scream queen” through projects like Scream VI, Ready or Not, and Ash vs. Evil Dead. But her comedic talents took center stage in 2020’s long-awaited sequel, Bill & Ted Face the Music, where she played a pivotal role in bridging the original cult films with a new generation.
Who She Plays
Weaving stars as Thea Preston, the daughter of Bill (Alex Winter), alongside Brigette Lundy-Paine as Billie Logan, Ted’s (Keanu Reeves) daughter. Much like their fathers, Thea and Billie share an inseparable bond, mirroring the goofy optimism and deep friendship that defined Bill and Ted’s original adventures.
When Bill and Ted are warned by Kelly (Kristen Schaal) that the world will end unless they complete their prophesied song, the daughters embark on their own time-traveling odyssey. Recruiting legendary musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Louis Armstrong, Mozart, and Ling Lun, Thea and Billie prove instrumental in uniting the world through music.
Why It Works
Legacy sequels often stumble, but Bill & Ted Face the Music succeeds because it balances nostalgia with fresh energy. Reeves and Winter seamlessly return to their roles, but it’s Weaving and Lundy-Paine’s chemistry that gives the film new life. Their dynamic doesn’t feel like an imitation of their fathers; instead, it’s a heartfelt continuation of the story, showcasing how admiration for one generation can inspire the next.
Weaving channels some of Winter’s original quirks in her performance, yet layers Thea with her own charm, capturing the character’s enthusiasm, loyalty, and compassion. Importantly, the film avoids portraying Bill and Ted as failed parents — instead, Thea and Billie’s quest helps them fulfill their fathers’ destiny while carving out a legacy of their own.
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A Standout Legacy Sequel
The film retains the lighthearted, punchline-heavy comedy of the earlier entries, giving Weaving space to deliver memorable one-liners while embracing the eccentric humor that made the franchise beloved. More importantly, it ends on a hopeful note, with Thea and Billie stepping into the spotlight — suggesting that the story could continue with them as leads in a potential spinoff.
For fans, Bill & Ted Face the Music offered both a fitting conclusion to Reeves and Winter’s journey and a fresh beginning led by Weaving and Lundy-Paine. As a result, Samara Weaving further proved her versatility, shining just as brightly in comedy as she has in horror.
