The 2004 iconic comedy-drama Mean Girls stands out in the genre. As it has a tight screenplay that captures the cruel teen vibe perfectly.
The film explores themes of friendships, social hierarchy, and the impact of rumors and gossip. It also talks about the pressure to fit in and face the music to abide by societal norms. The film was a classic success at that time, earning $130.1 million globally.
Now recently, the version of the film releasing this year. It is an adaptation of the hit Broadway show with Tina Fey (the original star and writer), writing the script and producing it.
Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams’ Legacy Preserved in Mean Girls Remake
In December 2022, the cast for the movie adaptation of Mean Girls: The Musical was revealed. That’s how the next generation of Mean Girls came to light.
Angourie Rice will play Cady Heron (originally portrayed by Lindsay Lohan). Reneé Rapp will reprise her Broadway role as Cady’s nemesis Regina George (previously portrayed by Rachel McAdams). Tina Fey, who played a role in the original movie as Ms. Norbury, will also return to play the same role.
People are loving the new Mean Girls. Even the casting choice is receiving high praise. The upcoming film features a Marvel actress (Angourie Rice), a Disney princess (Auli’i Cravalho, actress behind the voice of Moana), and Broadway actors (like Reneé Rapp). See some X posts expressing their happiness over the upcoming Mean Girls movie:
#MeanGirls is hilarious fun that is a delved different tone than the original. It’s a new birth of the original classic with new jokes and a fierce cast that grip their own spins on iconic characters. Renee is a fine Regina George that puts the itch in bitch. I had fun! pic.twitter.com/XK8AFMos9Z
— victoria (@kuntkattrall) January 5, 2024
Utterly delighted by the new #MeanGirls movie.
Coming from the perspective of someone who adores the 2004 film but never got the chance to see the Broadway show — was really blown away by the music. Such memorable songs and so well woven into the story.
Really dug that, how… pic.twitter.com/XsVQNmc2rF
— Perri Nemiroff (@PNemiroff) January 5, 2024
Get ready to be obsessed with #MeanGirls! They update the script & weave in music from the Bway show perfectly. Songs are top tier & musical numbers feel like you’re stepping into each character’s brain. There’s tons of Easter eggs & fourth wall breaking that is cheeky & fun. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/9ke2nF0ZSw
— Kristen Maldonado (@kaymaldo) January 6, 2024
The second we walked out of #MeanGirls my daughter turned to me and said, “Dad, you have no idea how much I loved that movie.”
She just started high school, kids are being miserable to each other, and she told me it felt like the film was made specifically for her at a time… pic.twitter.com/UIhjjUaF91
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) January 5, 2024
reneé rapp singing “world burn” got rousing applause in my screening of #meangirls (and her name in the credits at the end legit earned applause) i feel like that’s the perfect tease i can give 💖 pic.twitter.com/eitpBKjWVo
— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) January 5, 2024
Following the success of Mean Girls (2004), it became a Broadway musical (2018-20). The new Mean Girls movie is also a musical, featuring songs from the OG Broadway show. The plot remains similar as Angourie Rice playing Cady Heron enters a new American high school after growing up in Africa.
Is Mean Girls (2024) The Remake of the Original Mean Girls (2004)?
Even though the new movie is based on the original 2004 film, it’s not a direct remake of it. As the producer, Lorne Michaels told Entertainment Weekly, “It isn’t a remake, it’s a new interpretation.”
Jaquel Spivey, who plays Damian in the film added that their goal is “to make something fresh, because we can’t recreate it — it’s too iconic.”
Even director Samantha Jayne added, “On set, we would say, ‘We want to uphold the sacred text,’ but also have it feel new and fresh because it is something different. It’s another take on it.”
Mean Girls was initially scheduled for a Paramount+ premiere. But in September 2023, the decision was made to release it theatrically first. So, now it will debut at AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York City on January 8, 2024. It is then slated for a wider release on January 12 by Paramount Pictures.
