Jon Heder Talks Cast-Led Screening of 'Napoleon Dynamite'

If you can recite quotes from Napoleon Dynamite like some people can recite the scores of their favorite sports teams, you're not going to want to miss seeing the film in a uniquely engaging way... featuring three castmembers of the 2000s comedy classic!

On Friday, September 25th, Napoleon Dynamite stars Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), Jon Gries (Uncle Rico), and Efren Ramirez (Pedro) will be hosting a screening of the film at the Five Flags Center in Dubuque. Beyond that, however, they will treat audiences to a Q&A, stories about the film, improv, and even some surprises. The event is called Napoleon Dynamite Live!.

Jon Heder Gears Up for Dubuque:

Ahead of the show this Friday, I caught up with Jon Heder, whose career was launched after the film was released in the summer of 2004. I vividly remember when it came out. In what appeared to be no time, it was everywhere. Kids all over my elementary school were quoting it incessantly, and the film ushered in a new era for low-budget filmmaking. The film's director, Jared Hess, went on to direct Jack Black in Nacho Libre, and most recently, A Minecraft Movie in 2025.

I spoke to Jon about what fans and attendees can expect from Napoleon Dynamite Live! at the Five Flags Center. He said this screening will be "interactive," and encourage audience participation. In addition, Jon touched on some of his other favorite film/TV roles, and also answered a burning question I know a lot of fans have: why haven't we gotten a sequel to Napoleon Dynamite?

In addition to Napoleon Dynamite, Heder also starred alongside Will Ferrell in Blades of Glory, Rob Schneider and David Spade in The Benchwarmers, and Anna Faris in Mama's Boy (one of my personal favorites in his filmography).

Tickets to Napoleon Dynamite Live! are available on the Five Flags Center's website. You can take a listen to my interview with Jon Heder below!

Illinois Hosts the World's Largest Arcade: Galloping Ghost Arcade

Take a look at some of the amazing arcade and pinball machines in the world's largest arcade. Take a trip through Brookfield, Illinois' Galloping Ghost Arcade, which features over 1,050 games and growing!

Gallery Credit: Tom Drake