Growing up can be tough -- for dolphins and humans.

Young Dolphin Tale 2 stars Nathan Gamble and Cozi Zuehlsdorff have done it right before our eyes.

The duo recently returned to the Bay area, along with the cast and director of the movie to promote this show’s September release.

"It was very east to play the role of Sawyer because he is going through the same things that I am going through right now,” said Nathan Gamble, who plays the role of Sawyer.

Cozi Zuehlsdorff, who reprised her role as Hazel, agrees.

"Charles, our director and writer, wrote it so artfully so that we really felt like we could identify with our characters in this moment of our lives," said Zuehlsdorff.

Actors say the movie can be a template for how teens and adults can develop positive and respectful relationships.

Cozi's screen dad Harry Connick Jr. says he pulled from his real dad experiences.

"Changes are constantly happening and when you've got three of them they are all changing at different way in different times then I think it's important to remember this is not my life -- this is their life -- this is their opportunity to grow and learn."

Nathan's screen mom Ashley Judd says she listens.

"I pay attention,” said Judd, “Just like I teach people how to treat me -- if I'm really witnessing a child, they will teach me how to treat them."

As Winter and Hope form their own "family bond" in the movie and in real life, Nathan and Cozi want young people to know -- family doesn't have to be blood--for dolphins or humans.

"Family can come from everywhere and the fact that both of our characters kind of seek the guidance of each other's single parents is really cool," said Zueklsdorff.

Of course, of course, as one comes of age, perhaps there is also blossoming screen romance?

When put to Nathan and Cozi, the question is answered with giggles, guffaws, awkward squirming in charis and “Oh my gosh!” and “I don’t know.”

Sounds like a couple of teenagers, for sure.