“Mean Girls” is a 2024 American teen musical comedy directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr., with a screenplay by Tina Fey. The film is based on the stage musical of the same name, itself inspired by Fey’s 2004 film and Rosalind Wiseman’s 2002 book “Queen Bees and Wannabes.” Angourie Rice, Reneé Rapp, Auliʻi Cravalho, and Christopher Briney star, with Fey and Tim Meadows reprising their roles from the original film.
Paramount Pictures announced the film’s development in January 2020, with Fey returning as writer and producer alongside Lorne Michaels. Composer Jeff Richmond and lyricist Nell Benjamin revisited their songs from the stage musical, with Richmond also scoring the film. Casting commenced in December 2022, and principal photography occurred in New Jersey between March and April 2023. Originally intended for release on Paramount+, the film was switched to a theatrical release following positive test screenings.
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, the affluent and popular leader of the Plastics clique.
- Auliʻi Cravalho stars as Janis ʻImiʻike, a friend of Cady and Damian.
- Jaquel Spivey depicts Damian Hubbard, Janis’s closest companion.
- Avantika appears as Karen Shetty, a member of the Plastics.
- Bebe Wood portrays Gretchen Wieners, another member of the Plastics.
- Christopher Briney plays Aaron Samuels, Regina’s former boyfriend and Cady’s romantic interest.
- Jenna Fischer appears as Ms. Heron, Cady’s mother.
- Busy Philipps takes on the role of Mrs. George, Regina’s mother.
- Tina Fey reprises her role as Ms. Norbury, the math teacher at North Shore High School.
- Tim Meadows portrays Mr. Duvall, the principal of North Shore High School.
STORYLINE
Sixteen-year-old Cady Heron, who has been homeschooled in Kenya, returns to the United States 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 cliques and caution her against the “Plastics,” led by Regina George. Regina invites Cady to join the Plastics, prompting Janis to urge her to infiltrate the group for intel. Cady develops feelings for Aaron Samuels, Regina’s ex-boyfriend, but complications arise due to Regina’s territoriality.
Cady discovers Regina’s Burn Book, filled with malicious gossip, and learns of Regina’s history with Janis. Seeking revenge, Cady plots to undermine Regina’s social standing by playing on her insecurities. Cady’s schemes escalate, including sabotaging Regina’s diet and relationships, leading to Regina’s downfall and Cady’s ascension as the new queen bee.
However, Cady’s newfound power comes at a cost as she alienates her friends and becomes consumed by her manipulative behavior. The situation spirals out of control when Regina retaliates by planting the Burn Book, causing chaos and forcing Cady to confront the consequences of her actions.
In a moment of clarity, Cady takes responsibility for her role in the turmoil and seeks redemption by helping her peers reconcile and win a math competition. At the Spring Fling, Cady breaks the plastic crown, symbolizing her rejection of the superficial hierarchy, and reconciles with her friends and former adversaries, learning the value of authenticity and forgiveness.
