The cult classic that coined the phrase “Get in, loser, we’re making a movie” is back, this time with a melodic twist. “Mean Girls, the musical the movie,” announced by Tina Fey in 2020, is set to re-introduce the world to the high school hierarchy of Queen Bees and Wannabees. Fey, who has penned the original movie and the Broadway show, expresses a heartfelt connection to the characters: “They are my Marvel Universe, and I love them dearly.” With the involvement of heavy hitters like Fey, Lorne Michaels, Jeff Richmond, and Nell Benjamin, the new film promises to be a nostalgic yet fresh take for both Millennials and Gen Z.
As the anticipation builds, the trailer leaves fans buzzing with questions and excitement. It teases with a glimpse of the original songs, a bold reinterpretation of Regina George, and a nostalgia-inducing “beat-by-beat recap” of the film. The casting brings fresh faces to iconic roles, with Reneé Rapp reprising her Broadway role as Regina George, Angourie Rice as Cady, and other talented actors stepping into the well-known universe. Not forgetting the adults, Busy Phillips and John Hamm are among the notable names joining the ensemble.
Despite the fresh cast, nods to the original are plentiful, with Tina Fey returning as Ms. Norbury alongside Tim Meadows as Principal Duvall. While the homage to the past is evident, the absence of the original Plastics due to reported contract disputes introduces a bittersweet note to the excitement. Nevertheless, the film’s shift from streaming to a theatrical release on January 12, 2024, reflects confidence in its broad appeal and the enduring legacy of “Mean Girls.”
“Mean Girls: The Musical Movie” is poised to become the next pop culture phenomenon, blending the original’s timeless wit with Broadway’s dynamic energy. As we count down to its release, one thing is sure: the halls of North Shore High are about to echo with song, sass, and a little chaos, proving that the spirit of Mean Girls is genuinely immortal.
