Dean Cain Reflects on His Career and New Film

Dean Cain’s father imparted crucial advice as he began his journey in Hollywood.

“Don’t reveal too much about yourself in interviews. Let them see you on screen,” Cain recalls his father, Christopher Cain, a seasoned director, telling him. This guidance resonated with him at the beginning of his career.

Cain mentions, “My closest friends are teammates from Princeton. I know their character…” He believes that teamwork teaches you a lot about people.

Cain followed his father’s advice to some extent. He experienced firsthand the challenges posed by the nation’s divorce laws while seeking joint custody of his young son. Additionally, his travels around the world offered him insights into issues within his own country.

This backdrop motivated him to voice his thoughts on significant matters and express his conservative views, which also played a role in his shift towards independent film projects in recent years.

“I’m sure it impacted my career,” Cain admits. “Not speaking up feels wrong to me… If you have something important to say, you should share it and, hopefully, improve the world.”

From Superman to Coaching

Cain continues to engage in various film and television projects, encompassing stories with a faith-based theme as well as his latest work, an inspiring sports narrative he both wrote and directed.

“Little Angels” hit theaters nationwide recently, and is now expanding its reach thanks to a feature on its website that allows users to request screenings in their regions.

In this movie, Cain portrays a disgraced football coach who unexpectedly finds himself in charge of a girls’ soccer team—a situation he initially views as humiliating until he commits to transforming this group of misfits into champions.

While some fans might be surprised by his writing endeavor, Cain has always been drawn to storytelling. He fondly remembers how his father encouraged him to explore his creative side.

A Passion for Writing

“My dad inspired my writing,” Cain reminisces. He would create stories during family vacations, particularly on rainy days at their ranch. This passion evolved over time, leading him to write episodes for “Lois & Clark,” though the demands of acting often took precedence.

With “Little Angels,” he was finally able to channel that talent. He adhered to the classic adage: “Write what you know.”

Team Spirit

Cain became a first-team All-American and two-time first-team All-Ivy at Princeton in the late ’80s. He had a brief career in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills that was cut short by a knee injury. Additionally, he competed in track and served as volleyball captain.

Building his young cast during pandemic restrictions was a unique challenge. He had to rely on intuition rather than chemistry readings. On set, the young actresses formed bonds akin to those of teammates, creating lasting friendships.

“My closest friends are definitely my team members from Princeton,” he emphasizes. “You really get to know people through teamwork.” Similar dynamics resonate in the film, as the characters learn to support one another.

Legacy of Superman

Cain’s portrayal of Superman continues to shape his legacy, and he remains passionate about the character. He expresses hope that James Gunn’s upcoming “Superman,” set to release on July 11, reflects the essence he admires—especially the version played by Christopher Reeve.

“He’s my Superman,” Cain says, referring to Reeve, whose portrayal encapsulated qualities that resonate with him. “That notion of truth, justice, and the American way is really significant. Hard work and honor matter.”

“Little Angels” signifies Cain’s directorial debut in feature films; however, he has absorbed knowledge on film sets for many years.

“I watched my dad navigate his directorial process, often working with minimal budgets,” he remembers, reflecting on how even family members contributed to getting scenes filmed. “Filmmaking has always been a part of my life.” Now, he eagerly anticipates his next project.

“I’m hooked. I want to keep creating,” he concludes. “It felt less like work and more like a passion.”