Main Cast and Character Roles
The 2006 family comedy film adaptation of the children's novel features a young ensemble cast led by Luke Benward as Billy Forrester, the boy who accepts a dare to eat ten worms. The movie also stars Hannah Marks as Amanda, Billy's rival, and Adam Arkin as the principal, Mr. Brewster. The supporting cast includes Ty Panitz as Joe, and Pat Healy as Billy's father, Tom Forrester, who encourages the risky dare as a lesson in courage.
Other notable roles in the film include Andrew Caldwell as the bully Joe, and Jessica Belkin as the worm-obsessed girl named Susan. The full cast list on IMDb confirms the film's principal roles were filled by child and teen actors, with adult actors in supporting family and authority positions. The movie was produced by Walden Media and distributed by New Line Cinema, a division of Warner Bros.
Plot Summary and Production Details
The story follows Billy Forrester, who is dared by his classmates to eat 15 worms over 15 days. The film is a loose adaptation of Thomas Rockwell's 1973 children's book and centers on themes of peer pressure, bravery, and friendship. The production was directed by Bob Dolman and filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with a runtime of 94 minutes.
The screenplay was written by Mark Burton and Billy Ashworth, adapting Rockwell's book for the screen. The film was rated PG by the MPAA for mild crude humor and language. Box Office Mojo reports the film grossed approximately $13 million worldwide against a modest production budget, making it a minor commercial success in the family film category. The movie was released theatrically in the United States on August 25, 2006.
Streaming Availability and Where to Watch
As of the latest data, How to Eat Fried Worms is available for digital purchase and rental on major platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. JustWatch confirms the film is also available to stream on subscription services such as HBO Max and can be found on physical DVD and Blu-ray formats. Availability may vary by region, and users should check local streaming catalogs for current access.
The film remains a popular choice for family movie nights and is frequently listed in educational settings as a tie-in to the original book. Netflix does not currently carry the film in all regions, but it is widely available through digital storefronts and cable on-demand services. Parents and educators often use the movie to discuss themes of decision-making and the consequences of dares.