Fans of that ’90s musical throwback to the swingin’ ’60s That Thing You Do! take heed. The Oneders are back! That groovy little movie that helped launch several notable acting careers is going to have a special virtual cast reunion and commentary on YouTube this Friday April 17, at 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT. The livestream commentary is a special benefit for MusiCares. That organization provides emergency assistance to safeguard the well-being of music people in need. Cast member Ethan Embry announced the group’s first-ever reunion via Twitter.
That Thing You Do! marked Tom Hanks’ directorial debut. He wrote it, too. It hit theaters in 1996. Inspired by Hanks’ love of The Beatles and other ’60s musical acts, the film told the story of a fictional “one hit wonder” band in the ’60s. They called themselves The Wonders. And while That Thing You Do! wasn’t a huge hit upon release, it has since found a significant cult following in the years since.
That Thing You Do! helped propel the big screen careers of Tom Everett Scott, Charlize Theron, and Liv Tyler when they were all still young up-and-comers. It’s eternally catchy title track became popular on radio and even garnered both Golden Globe and Oscar nominations. It’s one of those earworms you just can’t get out of your head. The song’s writer, Adam Schlesinger, tragically passed away recently due to complications from COVID-19. We hope this will be a fitting tribute to one of his catchiest tunes.
According to Embry’s tweet, all four members of the band will come back together, along with Liv Tyler, and “special surprise guests.” Could we see That Thing You Do! director Tom Hanks join in? He did appear on SNL this past weekend, in his first real appearance since being diagnosed with COVID-19. And maybe Charlize will drop in? I’d say this all seems in the realm of possibility. And given that this livestream is a special fundraiser for MusiCares, that’s extra motivation for just about everyone associated with the film to make an appearance.
You can watch the reunion of The Oneders on their YouTube channel.
Featured Image: Twentieth Century Fox
