The Bears took fans back to high school with their 2024 schedule release video.

The 3-minute, 52-second production pays homage to some of the most iconic scenes in movie history that were based or filmed in Chicago and are still referenced today. While the video's overarching theme is based around Ferris Bueller's Day Off, with receiver DJ Moore as the star, several other film references are both overtly and subtly tied in.

Whether it's famous lines from Mean Girls, a detention scene from The Breakfast Club, a Home Alone reference to Kevin McAllister, wardrobe inspiration from Cooley High and Christmas Vacation or an iconic move from Risky Business, the video ties in films from all generations.

Through extensive planning and ideating — a process that began last November — the Bears' content & innovation team aimed for its schedule release video to connect with fans of all ages while keeping it authentic to Chicago.

"When attempting to ideate a theme for the 2024 season, we really wanted something that was unique to the City of Chicago and the Chicagoland area – what could we do that no one else could?" Bears manager of content & production Jordan Tredup said. "To me, Ferris Bueller's Day Off has always served as a love letter to Chicago. That was a feeling we wanted to tap into.

"This theme went through many iterations while we molded it into what we ultimately set out to create. Through the hard work and dedication of the entire building, we ended up with something that hopefully shows the passion we have for this team and this city."

The video follows Moore's journey into a new school year as he portrays one of the "cool kids" surrounded by players who represent different high school stereotypes, such as Jaquan Brisker as "the class clown," T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds as "the sportos" and D'Andre Swift as "the popular kid."

"It was a great experience to be featured in the schedule release video," Moore said. "I actually had not seen Ferris Bueller beforehand so I watched it, which gave me the idea to get my own jacket to wear for the shoot. I think the video came out great and hopefully our fans feel the same way."

Other current players featured include Cole Kmet, Teven Jenkins, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon and Braxton Jones, along with coach Matt Eberflus, who plays Moore's teacher in one scene.

Kmet, who starred in a couple short scenes with Moore, said the players "had a good time, had a little fun" with the production. The tight end also believes he is "ready for Hollywood."

"It was cool," Kmet said of filming the video. "It was fun. It looks like DJ is going to be the true star of the show, so I'm interested to see it when it comes out. I'm really excited to see where all the games lay out and when they take place. It should be a fun little show for the fans to see."

The Bears' 2024 opponents are also characterized by different student stereotypes throughout the video. Singer Yung Gravy, along with influencers Annie Agar and Emily Zugay, represent the Vikings, Packers and Lions, respectively, and serve as the detention group which is overseen by Anthony "Spice" Adams who plays "the Dean."

Other opponents featured include the 49ers, the mathlete and last year's "runner up," the Texans, "the envy of the entire school" and the Jaguars, the exchange student.

More stars from the Bears family including team reporter Lauren Screeden, senior writer Larry Mayer and mascot Staley Da Bear are featured in the film, along with local comedian and superfan Dyon Brooks.

The video was narrated by actor and filmmaker Jake Johnson, an Evanston native and Bears fan, who most notably starred as Nick Miller in the hit TV series New Girl. The viral song "End of Beginning" by Djo, also known as American actor Joe Keery who starred in Stranger Things, serves as the video's main track. The song is about Keery's emotional connection to Chicago — he attended DePaul University.

The majority of the video was filmed at Round Lake High School. The Bears have partnered with Round Lake for a variety of events over the years including girls flag clinics, the 2023 High School Latino Heritage game, youth training camp and more.

"It was such an incredible honor and privilege to host the Chicago Bears at Round Lake High School for the filming of their schedule release," Round Lake principal Brian Peterson said. "I'm grateful for our partnership and, more importantly, for the invaluable experiences that the Chicago Bears have continuously provided to our students. Their involvement not only enriches our educational and athletic programs but also inspires our students to reach new heights. This experience embodies the power of collaboration and the impact it has on shaping futures."

To close out the video, Moore is seen delivering his own version of one of Ferris Bueller's most iconic lines, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it," before driving off through the City of Chicago.

During the credits, Bears rookies Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze make a surprise appearance to express their excitement for the start of their "freshman year."

Over the last few years, the NFL schedule release has become a highly anticipated event. Each team competes to create the most entertaining and unique videos to announce their slate of games.

The Bears are coming off an Emmy award-winning 2023 schedule release video, which centered around the popular FX comedy-drama, "The Bear," which is based in Chicago.

Through hours of filming per day spanning across multiple weeks, the Bears hoped to have created a video that resonates with the Chicago community on an emotional level and instills a new level of excitement for the upcoming season, which kicks off Sept. 8 against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field.

"After months of planning, witnessing so many people come together to execute such an incredible production is truly remarkable," Bears director of social media Nicole Zimmer said. "And it's not just about the launch video, which has countless rounds of editing from the script to the final product, but it's also the 50+ pieces of content and promotional materials. Pulling this off is a large team effort across multiple departments. And getting it past the finish line is a testament to the collaborative spirit and collective passion throughout this organization."