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Josh Duhamel Replaces Emilio Estevez in MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS

Photo of Josh Duhamel via Unsplash

Josh Duhamel Replaces Emilio Estevez in MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS

By Movieguide® Contributor 

Actor Josh Duhamel (TRANSFORMERS, THINK LIKE A DOG) will take over the lead role in the upcoming season of Disney’s family-favorite, THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS. 

In season two of the Disney+ original, Duhamel plays Gavin Cole, a former NHL player who coaches at an intense summer hockey institute where The Mighty Ducks hockey team land. 

The change comes after Emilio Estevez departed in November 2021 due to a contract dispute over Disney’s vaccine mandate. 

Movieguide® reported:  

Actor Emilio Estevez, who starred in the original THE MIGHTY DUCKS movie in 1992 and its two sequels, will not return to Season 2 of the Disney+ series due to vaccination mandates.

Deadline noted that Disney Television Studios’ ABC Signature fired Estevez—who had become an icon within THE MIGHTY DUCKS franchise for his portrayal as Gordon Bombay—after he did not offer a guarantee that he would comply with the vaccine mandates.

Disney will adjust the script to continue the story without Estevez’s character, Gordon Bombay. Lauren Graham will reprise her role as Alex, a single mom to her son Evan (Brady Noon). 

Production of season two is set to begin early in 2022, and fans can expect to watch season 2 in the fall.

Movieguide®’s review of episode 1 of season 1 of Disney+’s THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS reads:

The first episode of THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS will delight fans of the 1990s MIGHTY DUCKS movies. There are plenty of Easter eggs through the first episode of the new series, including 1980s teenage star Emilio Estevez, who found new fame with the franchise in the early 1990s. The episode’s comic timing is also spot-on, and the jeopardy and character motivations are clear from the very beginning.

THE MIGHTY DUCKS: GAME CHANGERS: Game On has a strong moral worldview stressing maturity, caring for the underdog and making new friends. There are slight Romantic elements that suggest what the future could be for a hockey team. “Game On” has almost no objectionable content, but parents should note the light hockey violence, some light bullying and a reference to beer.

Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.


Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.

What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.

You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.

Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.