Julia Stiles had a familiar face cheering her on as she returned to her "Save the Last Dance" roots.
The actress, 45, and dance partner Ezra Sosa incorporated moves from the iconic 2001 movie into their jazz routine during the Oct. 13 episode of "Dancing with the Stars." Her former costar Sean Patrick Thomas was in the audience cheering her on for the performance.
The pair danced to Jennifer Lopez's "Jenny From the Block," featuring Jadakiss and Styles P, for "Super Bowl Night," which featured music associated with past halftime performers. For Stiles, the routine also offered a chance to revisit a movie released 25 years ago.
Sean Patrick Thomas supports Julia Stiles' 'Save the Last Dance' throwback
Thomas said he was "over the moon" to be at the show
and that Stiles "brought it all the way back here tonight" in an Instagram video.
In the 2001 film, Stiles played Sara Johnson, an aspiring ballerina who moves to Chicago after her mother's death. Thomas played Derek Reynolds, her love interest in the movie.
I wouldn't call this jazz... BUTTTTT IT WAS DEFINITELY AN AMAZING PERFORMANCE BY JULIA & EZRA!!!!
— Johann (@johanntimkang) October 14, 2026
This is Julia Stiles fully letting loose, which I love for her!!! I WAS 10/10 HYPED BY THIS ROUTINE!!!#DWTS pic.twitter.com/oze8bHWcGP
"I'd been wanting to do that for 25 years," Stiles said after the routine.
The judges rewarded Stiles and Sosa with 33 out of 40 points. Carrie Ann Inaba, Derek Hough and Bruno Tonioli each awarded them an 8, while guest judge and "Monday Night Football" broadcaster Joe Buck gave them a 9.
Julia Stiles previously opened up about 'Dancing with the Stars' setbacks
The praise followed a difficult earlier week for Stiles, who told USA TODAY she was discouraged after earning 16 out of 30 for a tango to Teddy Swims' "The Door" during "Viral Hits Night."
"I literally just had a big old cry-fest in my trailer, and he was sitting there with me patiently and sympathetically," she said of Sosa.
Stiles began her season with a Sept. 16 quickstep to Dolly Parton's "9 to 5," earning 18 out of 30. Stiles said Parton had personally approved the song for her weeks before the singer's death.
Stiles and Sosa advanced through "Super Bowl Night" continuing their pursuit of the Mirrorball Trophy. Guillermo Rodriguezand his dance partner Witney Carson were eliminated from "Dancing with the Stars" at the end of the show.
Contributing: Liza Esquibias, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Julia Stiles taps 'Save the Last Dance' star Sean Patrick Thomas for 'DWTS'
