“Mean Girls,” a 2024 American teen musical comedy directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr., is a cinematic adaptation of the stage musical of the same name, which itself drew inspiration from Tina Fey’s 2004 film adaptation and Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book “Queen Bees and Wannabes.” Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auliʻi Cravalho, and Christopher Briney star in the film, with Fey and Tim Meadows reprising their roles from the original movie.
Paramount Pictures announced the film’s development in January 2020, with Fey returning to write the screenplay and produce alongside Lorne Michaels, the producer of the 2004 film. Composer Jeff Richmond and lyricist Nell Benjamin returned to adapt their stage musical songs, with Richmond also composing the film’s score. Casting commenced in December 2022, followed by principal photography in New Jersey from March to April 2023. Originally slated for release on the streaming platform Paramount+, the decision was made to release the film theatrically following positive test screenings”Mean Girls” premiered at the AMC Lincoln Square in New York City on January 8, 2024, before its wider release by Paramount Pictures on January 12 in the United States.
CHARACTERS
- Angourie Rice portrays Cady Heron, a teenager who transitions to North Shore High School after being homeschooled in Kenya.
- Reneé Rapp takes on the role of Regina George, a wealthy and popular antagonist who leads the Plastics clique.
- Auliʻi Cravalho stars as Janis ʻImiʻike, a friend of Cady and Damian.
- Jaquel Spivey plays Damian Hubbard, Janis’s closest companion.
- Avantika is cast as Karen Shetty, a member of the Plastics group.
- Bebe Wood portrays Gretchen Wieners, another member of the Plastics.
- Christopher Briney appears as Aaron Samuels, Regina’s former boyfriend and Cady’s romantic interest.
- Jenna Fischer plays Ms. Heron, Cady’s mother.
- Busy Philipps portrays Mrs. George, Regina’s mother.
- Tina Fey reprises her role as Ms. Norbury, the mathematics teacher at North Shore High School.
- Tim Meadows reprises his role as Mr. Duvall, the school principal.
STORYLINE
Sixteen-year-old Cady Heron, who has been homeschooled, returns to the United States from Kenya with her mother and enrolls at North Shore High School. She quickly befriends Janis ʻImiʻike and Damian Hubbard, who introduce her to the school’s various cliques, warning her to steer clear of the “Plastics” clique, led by the manipulative Regina George, along with her cohorts Gretchen Wieners and Karen Shetty. Regina invites Cady to join their group, but Janis sees an opportunity to infiltrate and manipulate the Plastics through Cady.
As Cady navigates high school life, she develops feelings for Aaron Samuels, Regina’s ex-boyfriend. However, Gretchen and Karen caution her against pursuing Aaron due to his past relationship with Regina. At Regina’s house, Cady discovers the “Burn Book,” a cruel scrapbook filled with gossip about students and faculty. Janis reveals to Cady that she and Regina were once friends until Regina betrayed her by outing her as a lesbian.
Motivated by jealousy and a desire for revenge, Cady begins sabotaging Regina’s life by tampering with her food and cosmetics and exploiting Gretchen’s insecurities. With Regina’s reputation in decline, Cady ascends to the position of the school’s new “queen bee.” However, her newfound power comes with consequences, leading to strained relationships with Janis and Damian, as well as a rift with Aaron.
As tensions escalate, Regina orchestrates a scheme to frame Cady for the Burn Book’s contents, triggering chaos and revealing the book’s true source. Amidst the turmoil, Cady takes responsibility for her actions, resulting in her suspension from school. Determined to make amends, she joins the Mathletes and helps them win the state championships.
At the Spring Fling dance, Cady makes peace with Regina and reconciles with her friends and former adversaries, recognizing the importance of kindness and self-acceptance. She symbolically breaks the plastic crown, symbolizing the end of the toxic hierarchy at North Shore High School, and extends apologies to Janis, Damian, and the Plastics, signaling a fresh start for everyone involved.
BOX-OFFICE COLLECTION
As of March 17, 2024, Mean Girls has accumulated a total box office revenue of $104.4 million worldwide, with $72.4 million from the United States and Canada and $32 million from other territories.
In the United States and Canada, Mean Girls premiered on January 12, 2024, alongside The Beekeeper and The Book of Clarence. It was anticipated to earn between $27 million and $30 million during its opening weekend, benefiting from the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday. The film exceeded expectations by grossing $28.65 million ($33.2 million over the four-day holiday weekend), claiming the top spot at the box office. Its audience composition was predominantly female, with a significant portion aged between 26 and 35. In its subsequent weekends, the film retained its leading position, earning $11.7 million and $6.9 million in its second and third weekends, respectively. However, in its fourth weekend, it slipped to sixth place, earning $3.8 million.
Internationally, Mean Girls debuted in select major markets on January 12, achieving first place in Australia and Mexico. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, where it premiered on January 17, it similarly secured the top position during its opening weekend and maintained its dominance in the following week.
