10 biggest differences between new 'Mean Girls' movie and the original
'Mean Girls': Uncovering 10 key differences between the original and the new movie
The iconic teen comedy 'Mean Girls' is back, not as a regular remake but as a vibrant musical adaptation. Based on the 2018 Broadway musical of the same name, which itself was adapted from the 2004 film, this new rendition adds a melodic twist to the classic tale of high school drama and cliques. Here are some of the notable differences between the new 'Mean Girls' musical movie and the original:
Cady's mother takes the spotlight
In the original movie, Cady was raised by both her parents but in the new movie, Cady is now raised by a single mother, portrayed by Jenna Fischer from 'The Office'. Fischer expressed her excitement about the role, emphasizing the narrative shift as Cady and her mom navigate American teenage social dynamics. Fischer said about taking on the role. “My character is a single mom who brings her daughter back to America for high school. Cady has to navigate American teenage social dynamics for the very first time. Neither of them has any idea what this will entail.”
Janis and Damian are the narrators
The new film's narration comes from Janis and Damian, offering a fresh perspective. The movie starts with the characters performing 'A Cautionary Tale', framing the narrative around themes of "corruption and betrayal and getting hit by a bus," reminiscent of the Broadway show. The characters add a unique touch by breaking the fourth wall, directly addressing the audience from a desk marked 'Narrators'.
Cultural representation
To honor Avantika’s Indian heritage and Auliʻi Cravalho’s Hawaiian heritage, Karen Smith's last name is now Karen Shetty, and Janis Ian's name is changed to Janis 'Imi'ike. Auliʻi Cravalho, sharing her experience, mentioned that Tina Fey approached her about the last name change, which she found "really special" for representation. The choice of 'Imi'ike for Janis' surname holds significance, meaning "striving for the stars" or "reaching the summit," reflecting the character's commitment to staying true to herself and her unique identity.
Gretchen's heritage
In the new movie, Gretchen Wieners' backstory takes a unique turn. While she was portrayed as Jewish in the original movie and Broadway show, the character is of Latina descent in the latest film. Upon discovering that Bebe Wood, who plays Gretchen, has Cuban heritage, co-director Arturo Perez Jr made a small script change to honor her background. Wood shared her excitement about playing a Latina character, with the alteration including the use of "abuelito" instead of mentioning her grandfather, showcasing a thoughtful tribute to her Cuban heritage.
Janis' identity
In the new film, Janis' character undergoes a significant transformation. While the original portrayed Janis tormented by a rumor about her being a lesbian, the updated storyline features Janis as a "loud and proud" lesbian, reclaiming the term from its previous use as a slur. The backstory of Janis and Regina's friendship is slightly tweaked.
Script adjustments for modern sensibilities
In the new film, while iconic lines like "You go, Glenn Coco!" are retained from the original, several jokes have been altered to align with contemporary sensibilities. Tina Fey, the writer, acknowledged the need for change, noting the evolution of humor since her early 2000s writing days based on late '80s teen experiences. Few emphasized the importance of adapting to the current cultural landscape, acknowledging that jokes need to be approached differently.
Damian's talent show twist
In a delightful and humorous tweak, Damian's talent show performance undergoes a change in the new movie. While the original showcased him singing Christina Aguilera's LGBTQ+ anthem 'Beautiful', the updated version takes a Gen Z turn. Damian now performs the iCarly theme song but with a twist—it's sung in French. This small adjustment adds a contemporary and comical touch to the character's talent showcase.
Social media drama
In the 2024 setting of the film, social media becomes a prominent player in spreading rumors throughout the school. Various segments feature Internet personalities, including Chris Olsen, providing commentary on the Regina and Cady drama on TikTok. Even Megan Thee Stallion lends her perspective at one point. The dethroning of Regina as the queen bee takes a different turn in the age of social media. After Regina is hit by a bus, clips of the incident flood social platforms. The aftermath sees Regina facing a digital reckoning, with some attempting to "cancel" her by exposing past actions through receipts, while others speculate on whether Cady had a role in the incident.
Kalteen Bars revelation
In the new movie, the truth about the Kalteen Bars unfolds differently. Rather than the iconic party scene in the original film, Regina is seen logging miles on the treadmill at home. Mrs George, Regina's mother, comforts her and reveals that the bars cause weight gain.
Staff romance
A heartwarming change in the new film is the confirmation of Ms Norbury and Mr Duvall as a couple. During the gym scene, Mr Duvall asks Ms Norbury to take charge of the seminar, and she jokingly demands him to walk their dogs as payback. The film subtly implies their marriage, with Mr Duvall sporting a gold wedding band on his ring finger.
