At the New York premiere of the 2024 Mean Girls film, Daniel Franzese, known for his portrayal of the iconic character Damian in the original 2004 movie, shared his thoughts on where he believes Damian would be today, nearly two decades after the events at North Shore High School.
In an exclusive interview with E! News, Franzese revealed his vision for Damian’s future, expressing confidence that his character would still be involved in the world of performance in some capacity. “I definitely think that Damien is doing something performance wise,” he shared, adding, “I just know he’s happy.”
However, Franzese also entertained the idea of aligning Damian’s trajectory with that of Tina Fey’s childhood friend, Damian Holbrook, who serves as a senior writer at TV Guide magazine. “I used to always say that—because Tina’s best friend, Damien, is the only actual real person that was portrayed in the movie,” Franzese explained. “He works for TV Guide and is a reporter and I was like, ‘That sounds so right.'”
While Franzese appreciates the connection to Holbrook’s profession, he remains open to various possibilities for Damian’s post-high school journey, as long as they maintain the spirit of the character. “I also liked what the Walmart commercials came up with—how I was like a drama teacher at North Shore,” he added. “I was into that, too.”
Throughout the interview, Franzese exuded enthusiasm for the enduring legacy of Mean Girls and its impact on pop culture. Joined by fellow original cast members Lindsay Lohan and Rajiv Surendra (Kevin G) on the premiere’s red carpet, Franzese expressed his continued support for his former colleagues, highlighting the enduring camaraderie among the Mean Girls cast.
As fans eagerly anticipate the release of the 2024 Mean Girls film, Franzese’s reflections offer a nostalgic glimpse into the beloved characters’ potential futures. Whether Damian is pursuing a career in performance, following in the footsteps of his real-life inspiration, or exploring new endeavors, one thing remains certain: Mean Girls continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences worldwide, with its characters leaving an indelible mark on pop culture history.
