The original Mean Girls film (2004) turns 20 this Tuesday (30). The classic teen comedy is a huge reference in pop culture and even got a musical on Broadway. In fact, this version hit the big screen this year with more jokes, singing and a new emphasis on supporting characters – which ended up being a huge success for this production.
In the two-decade-old film, Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is a girl who was raised in Africa and has always been home-schooled. After returning to the United States with her family, she prepares to begin her student life, enrolling in a public school for the first time.
The protagonist receives a quick introduction to the school’s popularity laws. With her colleagues divided, she immediately realizes how the language of the most popular group in the institution – led by Regina George (Rachel McAdams) – can harm her life. In addition to all this confusion, Cady manages to make the situation worse when she falls in love with the wrong boy.
Jaquel Spivey, Angourie Rice and Auli’i Cravalho in the new Mean Girls
Disclosure/Paramount Pictures
In the new version of Mean Girls, the film maintains the original premise. However, the big and important difference between the plots is the prominence of Janis. The 2024 musical puts the spotlight on Auli’i Cravalho’s character. At certain moments, she is the protagonist of the story. But why is this a hit?
Janis is the one who brings Cady and Regina together. The character makes friends with the newcomer, seeking revenge against the most popular girl in school. She deserves the spotlight, which didn’t happen in the 2004 version. In the original film, Lizzy Caplan was stuck as a supporting character. Therefore, the musical has more emotional investment due to the girl’s screen presence.
Bad Girls, which celebrates two decades, is available on Globoplay and Paramount+. Watch the trailer for the original film in full below:
Mean Girls Trailer
Lacey Chabert, Rachel McAdams, Lindsay Lohan and Amanda Seyfried in the original film
