When Disney XD launched Lab Rats in 2012, it quickly became a cornerstone of the network, bringing a fresh blend of sci-fi action and family comedy. For four seasons, viewers followed the adventures of Leo Dooley and his bionic siblings, Adam, Bree, and Chase, as they navigated school, super-powered missions, and keeping their abilities a secret. The series notably evolved into Lab Rats: Bionic Island in its third season, elevating the stakes and introducing a bionic academy. But after the final credits rolled in 2016, a common question lingered for fans: What the Lab Rats Bionic Island Cast is Doing Now?
From leading new series to flexing their muscles in feature films, diving into music, or even taking a deliberate step back from the spotlight, the young stars who brought the bionic heroes to life have embarked on diverse and often surprising paths. We're here to pull back the curtain on their post-Disney journeys, offering an insightful look at where life has taken them since leaving Mission Creek behind.
At a Glance: What Happened to Mission Creek's Bionic Crew?
- Billy Unger (William Brent): Transitioned to adult roles, starring in thrillers and maintaining a presence in the acting world under a new professional name.
- Kelli Berglund: Continued her Disney legacy with the Elite Force spinoff, then moved into more mature roles across TV series and films, establishing herself as a versatile actress.
- Spencer Boldman: Pursued film roles and explored other ventures, taking a more selective approach to his acting career.
- Tyrel Jackson Williams: Expanded his acting repertoire into diverse television and film projects, showcasing his range beyond comedic child roles.
- Hal Sparks: Maintained a strong career in comedy, music, and voice acting, continuing to be a recognizable and multi-talented entertainer.
From the Lab to Bionic Island: A Quick Refresher on Disney XD's Hit
Before we dive into their individual journeys, let’s quickly revisit the world that captivated millions. Lab Rats, created by Chris Peterson and Bryan Moore, burst onto Disney XD in February 2012, marking the network's most-watched series premiere with 1.27 million viewers. It introduced us to Leo Dooley, an ordinary teen whose life took an extraordinary turn when he discovered three bionic superhuman teenagers—Adam, Bree, and Chase—living in his stepfather Donald Davenport's secret lab.
The show's premise was simple yet engaging: bionic super-abilities meeting the everyday challenges of high school. As the series progressed, it deepened its lore, leading to the pivotal third season where it transformed into Lab Rats: Bionic Island. This evolution saw Davenport opening a bionic academy on a remote island, training a new generation of bionic soldiers to become the world's next heroes. This era introduced fan-favorite characters like Davenport's eccentric brother Douglas and brought new threats, solidifying the show's place in Disney XD history. The series concluded with its fourth season, but its legacy continued with a spinoff, Lab Rats: Elite Force, which further expanded its universe by merging with characters from Mighty Med. For a deep dive into the show's ensemble and its impact, explore The cast of Lab Rats Bionic Island.
Now, let's catch up with the principal cast members and see where their paths have led them since their bionic days.
Billy Unger (William Brent): Chase Davenport – The Brains Behind the Brawn
As Chase Davenport, Billy Unger brought to life the intelligent, technically skilled, and often highly strung leader of the bionic trio. Chase's bionic abilities included a super-intelligence, telekinesis, and a powerful "commando app" that transformed him into the formidable "Spike." Unger navigated the complexities of playing a character who was both a genius and, at times, incredibly vulnerable.
What He's Been Doing Now:
After Lab Rats: Bionic Island and its spin-off Elite Force (where he reprised his role), Billy Unger made a deliberate shift in his professional identity, now primarily going by William Brent. This rebrand coincided with a push into more mature and diverse roles, signaling a clear transition from child star to adult actor.
- Venturing into Thrillers: Brent has appeared in several film projects that diverge from his Disney past. He starred in the 2017 thriller Laboratory Conditions and later showcased his range in films like The Glades (2020) and A Dark Foe (2020), where he tackled more intense and dramatic subject matter.
- Television Guest Appearances: He has also made guest appearances in various television shows, continuing to hone his craft across different genres. These roles have allowed him to explore characters far removed from the squeaky-clean image often associated with Disney stars.
- Behind the Scenes and Other Interests: Beyond acting, Brent has shown interest in other facets of the entertainment industry, including music and creative production. While he keeps a relatively low profile compared to some of his peers, his career trajectory indicates a focused pursuit of substantive acting roles and a desire to evolve artistically.
William Brent’s journey exemplifies a common path for child actors seeking to establish themselves as serious adult performers, often choosing challenging roles that help redefine their public persona.
Kelli Berglund: Bree Davenport – Super Speed, Super Stardom?
Kelli Berglund lit up the screen as Bree Davenport, the bionic teen with super speed and agility. Bree was often the most socially aware and fashionable of the bionic siblings, grappling with typical teenage concerns alongside saving the world. Berglund perfectly blended comedic timing with moments of genuine heart and strength, making Bree a beloved character.
What She's Been Doing Now:
Kelli Berglund has arguably maintained one of the most consistent and visible careers post-Lab Rats, successfully transitioning into a variety of roles that showcase her versatility.
- The Elite Force Spinoff: Berglund was one of only two Lab Rats cast members to transition directly to Lab Rats: Elite Force, where she continued her role as Bree, battling new threats alongside characters from Mighty Med. This continuity allowed her to bridge the gap between her Disney past and future projects.
- Leading Lady on the Small Screen: After Elite Force, Berglund quickly found new leading roles. She starred as Carly in the 2019 Starz comedy series Now Apocalypse, a show known for its quirky and unconventional humor. She also took on the main role of Crystal in the TNT crime drama Animal Kingdom from 2020 to 2022, a significant departure from her Disney persona, proving her dramatic capabilities.
- Film Projects: Kelli has also made a mark in films, including the horror thriller Deadly Switch (2019) and the drama Cherry (2021) alongside Tom Holland, further expanding her filmography.
- Music Ventures: While primarily known for acting, Berglund has also explored her musical talents, releasing a few singles over the years, demonstrating her broader artistic interests.
Kelli Berglund's career post-Lab Rats is a testament to her dedication and ability to adapt, successfully navigating the challenging transition from teen star to a respected actress in adult television and film.
Spencer Boldman: Adam Davenport – The Strongman's Next Act
Spencer Boldman played Adam Davenport, the bionic powerhouse whose super strength was matched only by his endearing naivety and occasional dim-wittedness. Adam provided much of the show's comic relief, often unintentionally, but also showed moments of surprising insight and loyalty. Boldman’s portrayal made Adam a lovable giant among the bionic family.
What He's Been Doing Now:
After Lab Rats, Spencer Boldman has taken a more selective and, at times, less public approach to his career, focusing on quality roles and other passions.
- Film Roles and Genre Exploration: Boldman immediately sought opportunities outside of Disney. He appeared in the 2014 film Dakota's Summer (released during his Lab Rats run) and later starred in the 2018 horror-thriller Cruise, which allowed him to delve into a darker, more dramatic genre. He also featured in the 2018 action film Pistol Pete.
- Hiatus and Return: Following these projects, Boldman appeared to take a hiatus from mainstream acting, focusing on personal development and other interests. However, he made a return to the screen, showing his dedication to acting when the right projects come along.
- Social Media Presence: While his acting appearances have been less frequent than some co-stars, Boldman maintains a presence on social media, where he occasionally shares insights into his life, fitness routines, and passions beyond acting.
Spencer Boldman’s journey highlights that not every child star pursues a continuous, high-profile career immediately after their breakthrough. Some choose to take time, explore other interests, and return to acting when the roles truly resonate with them.
Tyrel Jackson Williams: Leo Dooley – The "Normal" Kid's Extraordinary Path
Tyrel Jackson Williams portrayed Leo Dooley, the "normal" stepbrother who stumbled upon the bionic teenagers and became their closest human confidant and friend. Leo’s wit, sarcasm, and grounded perspective provided a crucial anchor for the show, making him incredibly relatable to viewers. He also developed his own unique skills, often getting into trouble but always emerging with a clever remark.
What He's Been Doing Now:
Tyrel Jackson Williams has proven to be a versatile actor, successfully transitioning from his Disney role into more mature and critically acclaimed projects, demonstrating a keen eye for compelling storytelling.
- Critically Acclaimed Comedy: One of his most notable post-Lab Rats roles was starring as Charles in the critically acclaimed and award-winning IFC comedy series Brockmire (2017-2020). This role allowed him to showcase a more nuanced comedic performance alongside Hank Azaria, garnering praise for his natural talent.
- Diverse Television Appearances: Williams has made several guest appearances on popular television shows, including a significant arc on the NBC medical drama L.A.'s Finest and roles in other series, demonstrating his ability to tackle both comedic and dramatic material.
- Filmmaking and Directing: Beyond acting, Tyrel has also shown a growing interest in filmmaking. He has been involved in independent film projects, not just as an actor but exploring roles behind the camera, indicating a desire to expand his creative footprint in the industry.
- Music and Creative Expression: Like many young artists, Williams also explores music and other forms of creative expression, sharing insights into his personal projects and artistic pursuits on social media.
Tyrel Jackson Williams' career trajectory shows a thoughtful and successful transition, proving that child stars can mature into well-respected actors capable of delivering strong performances in diverse and challenging roles.
Hal Sparks: Donald Davenport – Mentor, Inventor, and Enduring Talent
Hal Sparks, a seasoned comedian, actor, and musician, brought a unique blend of genius, ego, and paternal care to the role of Donald Davenport, the billionaire inventor and stepfather to Leo and the creator of the bionic trio. Davenport was the eccentric glue holding the bionic family together, often providing comic relief while also guiding his super-powered "children."
What He's Been Doing Now:
Unlike his younger co-stars who were making the leap from child to adult roles, Hal Sparks already had a well-established career before Lab Rats. His time on the show was just another successful chapter in a long and varied career, and he has continued to thrive in multiple facets of entertainment.
- Stand-Up Comedy: Sparks remains an incredibly active and popular stand-up comedian, consistently touring and performing across the country. His sharp wit and observational humor continue to draw large audiences.
- Music Career: A talented musician, Sparks is the lead singer and guitarist for the band ZERO 1. They have released albums and performed extensively, showcasing his passion for rock music.
- Voice Acting: Hal has a distinctive voice and has lent it to various animated projects and video games. His voice work allows him to explore different characters and expand his reach in the entertainment industry.
- Television and Film Appearances: While his primary focus has often been stand-up and music since Lab Rats, he continues to make sporadic appearances in television shows and films, often in guest or recurring roles that leverage his comedic timing and unique persona. He also frequently appears on various talk shows and pop culture panels, sharing his opinions and humor.
- Podcasting and Media Commentary: Sparks is known for his political commentary and has often engaged in podcasting and online discussions, using his platform to express his views on current events.
Hal Sparks’ career demonstrates remarkable longevity and versatility, proving that once a multi-talented entertainer, always one. His ability to seamlessly move between comedy, music, acting, and commentary is a testament to his enduring appeal.
Navigating Life After Disney: The Challenges and Triumphs of Child Stars
The journey of the Lab Rats: Bionic Island cast members offers a microcosm of the broader experience for young actors emerging from the Disney ecosystem. The path from child star to sustained adult career is notoriously challenging, fraught with the pressure of public perception, typecasting, and personal growth under intense scrutiny.
Many Disney alumni grapple with shedding their wholesome, family-friendly image to take on more complex, adult roles. For the Lab Rats cast, we've seen:
- Strategic Rebranding: William Brent (formerly Billy Unger) intentionally changed his professional name and sought out grittier roles to signal a clear shift in his career direction.
- Seamless Transitions: Kelli Berglund leveraged her established presence into new series leads, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to explore diverse genres.
- Selective Engagements: Spencer Boldman's more measured approach shows that success isn't always about constant visibility, but about choosing projects that align with personal and professional goals.
- Artistic Expansion: Tyrel Jackson Williams has not only excelled in acting but also delved into filmmaking, showcasing a desire for creative control and multifaceted engagement.
These varied paths highlight the individuality required to navigate the post-Disney landscape. Success often hinges on a combination of talent, resilience, strategic career choices, and sometimes, the willingness to step away and return with renewed purpose.
The Enduring Legacy of Bionic Island: Where Their Bionic Journey Continues
Lab Rats: Bionic Island might have concluded its run years ago, but its impact on its cast and a generation of viewers remains undeniable. The show launched or further propelled the careers of talented individuals who continue to shape the entertainment landscape. From leading dramatic series to captivating stand-up audiences, these actors have proven that their bionic abilities on screen were just a prelude to their real-world versatility.
Their journeys serve as an inspiring reminder that the end of one chapter often marks the exciting beginning of another. While they may no longer be saving Mission Creek from supervillains or training new bionic recruits on a remote island, the legacy of their work on Lab Rats endures, and their evolving careers continue to offer fascinating new chapters for fans to follow. Keep an eye out; these bionic heroes are far from done.