It’s not every day that a nostalgic moment from a family-friendly movie stirs up laughter, reflection, and powerful reminders of how far people can come in 20 years. But that’s exactly what happened when Taylor Lautner posted a throwback video referencing a tender scene from Cheaper by the Dozen 2. The clip caught the attention of none other than Alyson Stoner—the other half of the adorable lakeside moment from the film—and their hilarious and poignant response brought the internet to life.
What started as a cheeky recreation of a teenage movie move between two young actors has evolved into a meaningful snapshot of personal growth, identity, and the ever-evolving ways we relate to our past selves.
On July 2, Taylor Lautner shared a sweet Instagram post that felt like a time machine back to 2005. In it, he and his wife Tay Lautner attended an outdoor screening of Cheaper by the Dozen 2, the sequel to the beloved 2003 family comedy that starred Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt. The clip highlighted a moment that fans of the movie surely remember—Lautner’s character, Eliot Murtaugh, awkwardly but confidently stretching his arm around Sarah Baker, played by Alyson Stoner, while their overprotective dads looked on from a distance.
“The move still works 20 years later 😉,” Lautner wrote, cheekily recreating the scene in real life by stretching his arm around his wife as the iconic moment played onscreen.
But it was Stoner’s witty reply in the comments that truly stole the show.
“Got me good! Almost convinced me I was straight,” Stoner commented.
Their response was met with instant applause. Lautner fired back with, “OMFG YOU WIN,” and Tay Lautner chimed in with, “This is so good 👏👏.”
It was more than just a joke—it was a brilliant blend of nostalgia, identity, and self-acceptance that showed just how much has changed since the days of oversized family chaos and teenage campfire crushes.
Cheaper by the Dozen 2 was one of those early 2000s family films that struck a balance between heartwarming and hilariously chaotic. The movie followed the Bakers and the Murtaughs—two large families led by competitive dads (Steve Martin and Eugene Levy)—as they vacationed at a lakefront resort, sparking tension, bonding, and unexpected romances.
Among the many storylines woven into the ensemble comedy was the budding crush between Sarah Baker (Stoner) and Eliot Murtaugh (Lautner). Their young flirtation, including the now-famous arm stretch scene, was innocent, sweet, and relatable to anyone who had ever tried to impress their crush under the watchful eye of parents.
For many viewers, this scene marked one of Lautner’s earliest moments as a teen heartthrob—and for Stoner, it was one of the many standout performances in a busy child acting career.
Yet, as fans reflect on that charming scene today, it carries an entirely new meaning in light of Stoner’s journey.
Since their days as a Disney Channel regular, Alyson Stoner has undergone a personal transformation that mirrors the growth of an entire generation. In 2018, they came out as pansexual and queer in an emotional and candid essay for Teen Vogue.
“I, Alyson, am attracted to men, women, and people who identify in other ways. I can love people of every gender identity and expression. It is the soul that captivates me,” they wrote.
Stoner explained that entering a same-sex relationship helped them realize who they truly are. It wasn’t just a romantic awakening—it was a moment of deep personal alignment.
“In its purest sense, I felt awakened, more compassionate, and like my truest self.”
But coming to that realization wasn’t easy. Stoner faced pressures from all sides: the entertainment industry that often demanded silence on matters of identity, a family influenced by religious values, and a society that still struggles with fully embracing gender and sexual fluidity.
“I had anxiety attacks when I considered coming out. My faith and family begged me to change. I put my story on pause so I could survive in an industry that profits from conformity.”
Despite the pain, Stoner chose courage. They’ve become an outspoken advocate for mental health, LGBTQ+ representation, and the importance of authenticity in an industry built on performance. Their honesty has made them a beacon for others navigating similar paths.
Given this personal history, Stoner’s comment on Lautner’s Instagram wasn’t just a quick quip. It was a nuanced, funny, and subtly powerful nod to how far they’ve come—and how much more layered that arm-around-the-shoulder moment looks now.
Back in 2005, young viewers might’ve seen that scene as a charming glimpse into young love. Today, many of those same fans—now adults—see it as a reflection of how identity can evolve and how revisiting childhood roles can be both funny and profound.
That duality—honoring the past while owning the present—is something few people balance as well as Stoner.
And the interaction between them and Lautner was a beautiful example of what it looks like when former co-stars support each other through those transformations. There was no awkwardness, no tension—just genuine laughter and celebration of growth.
Stoner’s journey highlights a larger shift happening in Hollywood and society. For years, child stars were expected to maintain a squeaky-clean, heteronormative image. Any deviation from the norm could jeopardize a career or a carefully managed public persona.
But as more actors speak out and share their truth, the industry is slowly catching up. Today, there’s more room for queer stories, gender fluidity, and mental health advocacy than ever before. Yet, the road remains steep, especially for those who start their careers young.
Stoner has been vocal about the trauma they experienced in the entertainment industry. In interviews and social media posts, they’ve detailed the toll that early fame took on their wellbeing—highlighting everything from body image issues to exploitation on set. Their willingness to name those wounds has encouraged other young performers to do the same.
And their advocacy hasn’t been limited to their own experiences. They’ve launched educational resources, spoken on mental health panels, and even started conversations around inclusion and representation in casting and production.
Though Cheaper by the Dozen 2 may not be remembered as a cinematic masterpiece, it occupies a special place in the hearts of millennial and Gen Z viewers. It was a movie about family, growing up, and learning to embrace the chaos. And for kids watching at home, it was full of little moments that felt huge—like a teenage boy stretching his arm around his crush.
That moment, revisited 20 years later, becomes a prism through which we see both where we were and how far we’ve come. It reminds us that sometimes the most seemingly innocent scenes can carry the most emotional weight in retrospect.
It also reminds us that identity is not fixed. That a young girl playing Sarah Baker might grow up to realize that her truth lies outside the binary, that she doesn’t love based on gender but based on soul. And that’s not only okay—it’s beautiful.
Ultimately, the beauty of this entire interaction lies in its tone. Stoner’s joke wasn’t heavy or defensive—it was light, clever, and bursting with self-awareness. It showed that they could look back at that moment with affection, even as they laugh at the idea that it might’ve once passed for heterosexual chemistry.
The Lautners’ warm response only added to the sense of joy. There was no discomfort in the acknowledgment of identity—only celebration. In a world that can often be quick to criticize or scrutinize, this moment was refreshing in its simplicity.
Just two former co-stars, reliving an old scene, and embracing who they are today.
In just a few words, Alyson Stoner managed to spark laughter, provoke thought, and give fans a glimpse into what it means to come full circle. Their story is one of resilience, growth, and unapologetic self-love. And their ability to laugh at an old teenage movie scene while honoring their truth is something many can aspire to.
So yes, the move still works. But what really works—what truly resonates—is the reminder that who we were doesn’t define who we are. And sometimes, the best way to honor our journey is to laugh a little, look back fondly, and move forward with pride.
Because growing up isn’t just about changing—it’s about becoming. And Alyson Stoner has done just that—with grace, courage, and one heck of a sense of humor.
