Get in loser, we’re going to see the premiere of the new Mean Girls musical movie!
Fans have been anticipating the Mean Girls musical for months, and now, the wait is over! The 2024 musical is a modern take on the original 2004 movie, both of which were written by Tina Fey, along with other screenwriters. The 2024 adaptation derives not only from the nearly 20-year-old film but also from the 2018 Broadway musical. Although the adaptation of the OG Mean Girls consists of the same story, they also have their own twists to them, so they aren’t exactly the same. From the actors to the style of narration, and the musical’s tracklist, you’re definitely going to wanna experience it for yourself! The movie premieres on Jan. 12 so I suggest getting your tickets asap.
Here are some differences between the Mean Girls film and musical that you may (or may not) notice. Spoiler Warner: Spoilers for the Mean Girls musical movie follow.
The 2024 musical Is Narrated By Damian and Janis
As we know, Cady Heron’s original character (played by Lindsay Lohan) narrated the entire 2004 Mean Girls film. However, Damian Hubert (played by Jaquel Spivey) and Janis Sarkisian (played by Auli’i Cravalsho) narrate the 2024 musical. They narrate the story from the perspective of North Shore High students who despise Regina George (played by Reneé Rapp) and The Plastics, rather than someone curious about the clique. The song “Apex Predator” captures the feelings that students of North Shore High secretly have towards Regina, being that she is the mean girl of the school.
Not only do Damian and Janis make the movie enjoyable through their narration and the use of iconic quotes and old references from the original movie, but Janis gets way more screen time than she did in the 2004 film. Her songs “Revenge Party” and “I’d Rather Be Me” show more of an unapologetic side of her than ever seen in the 2004 adaption.
Regina George’s Intro Was Very ‘Bad Girl-esq’
In the 2004 adaption of the film, we know Regina George as this mean girl who is also girly in every way possible. However, her introduction in the 2024 musical is dramatized through her song, “World Burn” as she strolls into the school cafeteria with an edgy black leather outfit and condescending personality. It almost makes the audience feel the malicious vibe that Regina gives off, which, I believe, makes the musical more enticing to watch. It makes you wonder, “what does the mean girl have up her sleeve?”
Although Regina is the antagonist in this story, you have to admit that her songs are catchy and her vocals definitely slay.
The Musical Captures The Feelings of Those Under Regina George’s Superior Wing
Regina and The Plastics are known as Royalty of North Shore High… in 2004. But in 2024, Gretchen Weiners gives the audience a peek at her true introspective feelings and those toward Regina before she spills her secrets to Cady.
The scene where she sings to herself, “What’s wrong with me?”, in the mirror of a jewelry box that she gave Regina, and was once a gift from her Abuelita made me feel sympathetic towards Gretchen because deep down, she knew that she was living in Regina’s shadow. Nevertheless, she eventually realizes how not-so-good of a friend Regina is when her hair which was once full of secrets finally reveals Regina’s bad intent toward Cady, which is also portrayed in the 2004 film.
On the other hand, Karen Smith, who is also a Plastic, remains the (if not more) ditzy character that she was in the 2004 adaption, which I wasn’t a fan of.
Even Regina sings about her insecurities, being that she has a “perfect” personality among her peers. After gaining weight from eating too many Kalteen bars, she sings about her own imperfections and deems herself the “Fugly Cow” in her burn book before leaving it in the school halls for students to take a look at the book themselves.
The “Personally Victimized By Regina George” Line Was Cut From The 2024 Musical
The Mean Girls musical movie took a lot from the OG 2004 film and the Broadway production. However, the part where the students of North Shore High raise their hands to imply that they felt personally victimized by Regina was cut from the 2024 film.
We also don’t see Janis’ revenge when she cuts Regina’s tank top, but it is an easter egg in the 2024 film. As Karen performs her song “Sexy” while getting ready for the Halloween party, she expresses her keenness for cosplaying who she wants to be for Halloween and tries on a look featuring the cut-out tank top.
The Plastics ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ Dance…But With A Twist
In the 2004 film, Cady sought revenge after Regina, it’s safe to say that even though The Plastics had to improvise their dance after Gretchen kicked the radio in Jason’s face, it ultimately ended on a good note.
But in the 2024 musical, this is actually the demise of Regina George’s reputation. The group (excluding Cady) humiliates themselves, causing Regina to fall on her face and become the laughingstock of the entire school. Even Megan Thee Stallion featured the moment on her own social media.
Lindsay Lohan Makes A Guest Appearance!
Fans were dying to know if cast members from the 2004 film would make an appearance in the musical. Although not everyone made it, Lindsay Lohan came back as the mathletes game host (after Cady gets forced into joining the team in order to boost her grade in Calculus). I would have loved to see more of Ms. Lohan!
However, those who also make a comeback are Tina Fey as Ms. Norbury and Tim Meadows as Principal Duvall. And for fans who were wondering: yes, they are now a couple! (So cute, right?)
Fey, who is the screenplay writer for the 2004 and 2024 Mean Girls, and Mean Girls on Broadway, mentioned that Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert were not in the new film due to their busy schedules.
The new Mean Girls musical leaves many fans wondering if there will be a sequel, as it was a well-deserved homage to the OG film.