On January 12, 2024, Mean Girls, The Musical was released in theaters, presenting an old film with a new twist. As of today, Mean Girls surpassed $100 million at the global box office. 

Featuring new actors Avantika Vandanapu, Angourie Rice, Bebe Wood, and Christopher Briney, the Musical also welcomes back Reneé Rapp, who reprises the role of Regina George and also acted in the Broadway performance of Mean Girls. Tina Fey and Tim Meadows, who were part of the original movie released in 2004, were also recast as part of the new musical. 

This musical focuses on Cady Heron, played by Angourie Rice, exploring the typical high school life after moving from South Africa to Chicago. Naive Cady is convinced to befriend “The Plastics” to bring down Regina George, played by Reneé Rapp. “Along the way, Cady loses herself, her friends, and her crush, all for the chance to be popular and loved,” StageAgent, an organization that helps develop the next generation of actors and theatregoers by improving student literacy in the Dramatic Arts, stated. 

Tina Fey, known for her work in the 2004 film Mean Girls, co-starred and wrote the screenplay for Mean Girls, the Musical. Fey explained to viewers the changes that occurred in the production, stating that they have “aged poorly” for new audiences. “I was writing in the early 2000s very much based on my experience as a teen in the late 80s. It’s come to no one’s surprise that jokes have changed,” Fey explained.

Fey shares that “the new movie is not a remake, but rather exists on its terms,” as it is a new interpretation of how the story would be told in today’s world. The intention of making a new version of the film was to give it its own identity and start something fresh. 

One of the original Broadway actors, Reneé Rapp stated that the Broadway production of Mean Girls “hit a little close to home.” She revealed that it was harmful to her health and worsened her eating disorder as staff would continuously say things to her about her body. Rapp revealed that she was able to go into the new film environment in a healthier mental state. 

With a list of new actors, the original cast of Mean Girls was supposed to have cameos in the new version of the film. Most of the original cast, including the four “Plastics,” were interested in taking part in the production but unfortunately had difficulties in scheduling and were unable to participate in the iconic film’s reboot. 

When it came to viewers’ opinion of the updated musical, the public did not disappoint. With many loving the new changes being made and the production of the film, some also felt disappointed as it did not meet their expectations. One of the main positive comments made by viewers was that the musical was “a perfect mix between the ‘04 film and stage musical!” Those that didn’t feel the same way criticized a lot of the changes made, stating that it “skipped over important scenes and the songs played were completely unnecessary.”