The 2004 hit “Mean Girls” is celebrated as a classic romantic comedy, yet its production had its share of controversies. The film, despite its popularity and memorable quotes, involved peculiar casting choices and significant shifts in the careers of its stars. Jonathan Bennett, who played Aaron Samuels, reflected on its cultural significance, stating, “It’s not a regular movie.” The film has become embedded in popular culture, demonstrating its wide-ranging influence on fans worldwide.
Lindsay Lohan’s Unconventional Audition
Initially, Lindsay Lohan had her sights set on the antagonist role of Regina George rather than the lead as Cady Heron, a character that would ultimately define her career. During her discussion with director Mark Waters, who had previously collaborated with her on “Freaky Friday,” Lohan was eager to take on a more rebellious persona. However, Waters felt her strengths lay in portraying a character that audiences could support, leading Lohan to accept the hero role. “Lindsay kind of begrudgingly said, ‘Okay, I guess I’ll play the lead,'” shared Waters in an interview.
Casting Surprises for Aaron Samuels
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While Jonathan Bennett became the face of Aaron Samuels, he was not the first pick for the role. According to co-star Daniel Franzese, another well-known actor initially secured the part but was dismissed after a poor rehearsal performance. “This other actor hadn’t shaved and he didn’t take his hat off; he was playing it really cool,” Franzese recounted. Ultimately, Bennett’s casting led to a significant impact on his life, and he embraces the connection people have with his character even years later.
Hidden Truths From the Cast
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In the years following “Mean Girls,” several male cast members, including Daniel Franzese, publicly came out about their sexual orientations. Franzese, who portrayed Damien, first revealed his sexuality during the film’s tenth anniversary, inspired by a letter from a fan following his troubling experiences with conversion therapy. He later found support in his co-star Jonathan Bennett, who also shared his own journey of coming out after the film’s release.
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Rajiv Surendra, known for his role as the rapping mathlete Kevin Gnapoor, revealed his sexual identity in his memoir “The Elephants in My Backyard” and in a Washington Post piece. Although the cast members were not publicly out during the filming, they cherish the bravery displayed by their fellow actors in opening up. This has notably enhanced the film’s legacy regarding representation. “It’s like discovering your high school friends are gay later on,” shared Franzese in an interview with PRIDE. “It just adds more vibrant color to the movie!”
Rachel McAdams Was Considered Too Old for the Part
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When auditioning for “Mean Girls,” Rachel McAdams aimed for the lead character, Cady Heron. However, director Mark Waters concluded that she was “too old” for the role. This didn’t end McAdams’ hopes, though, as she later screen-tested for Regina George, creating an online chemistry with Lindsay Lohan’s character. “Lindsay was quite shy around Rachel because of her age and experience,” Waters shared with Vulture. Eventually, McAdams secured the role of Regina, solidifying their status as iconic adversaries on-screen, although McAdams didn’t form a close bond with the cast. Amanda Seyfried was also considered for Regina but was cast as Karen Smith instead, marking one of her early significant roles lost to another actress.
Struggles to Maintain the Film’s Rating
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As “Mean Girls” neared its May 2004 release, director Mark Waters fought hard to secure a PG-13 rating amidst concerns from the Motion Picture Association (MPAA) about risqué content. Several jokes, particularly from the fictional Burn Book, were under scrutiny, prompting some lines to be altered to avoid an R rating. Ironically, the changes led to even more impactful humor. “We found that adhering to submission rules sometimes results in even raunchier content,” Waters remarked to Vulture.
Yet, Waters was determined to keep a particular line regarding a character’s “wide-set vagina,” arguing it was necessary to avoid sexism and unfair restrictions. He highlighted that a similar rated film displayed more explicit content without issue, stating, “‘There’s no sexual context, and calling it inappropriate for girls is demeaning.’ Ultimately, they had to relent.”
Lindsay Lohan Reflects on Her Downfall
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Lindsay Lohan has often been haunted by past issues throughout her career. In a 2013 interview, she acknowledged that the overwhelming success of “Mean Girls” played a part in her struggles. The film earned over $130 million worldwide, but following its triumph, Lohan spent more time in rehab than filming.
Reflecting on her life post-rehab with Oprah Winfrey, Lohan noted that the film’s fame contributed to her decline, citing a lack of solid guidance and impulse spending as factors. “I found myself living in a hotel while keeping an apartment,” she recounted during the interview (via
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Amanda Seyfried’s Role Leads to Unwanted Attention
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Amanda Seyfried, playing the naive Karen Smith, gained significant fame but unfortunately also faced harassment. Her character’s humorous claim about predicting the weather through her breasts led to real-life unwanted attention from men reenacting the scene or asking her to “predict the weather.” Seyfried remarked, “I always felt really grossed out by that,” recalling her discomfort at just 18 years old.
While she felt less famous than her co-stars, Seyfried empathized with them regarding the intrusive attention they faced after the film’s success. She expressed that being thrust into fame at a young age could be quite distressing and unsafe.
Lizzy Caplan, who portrayed the memorable goth character Janis Ian, encountered challenges in advancing her career afterward. For years, she found it difficult to secure roles outside of teen dramas, despite her desire to work on more diverse and interesting projects. In an effort to adapt, she altered her appearance for casting auditions.
Eventually, Caplan achieved success in shows like “Masters of Sex” but noted that the opportunities for unique roles, such as her character in “Mean Girls,” have become more prominent now compared to her early career days. She recognized that casting dynamics have evolved significantly, allowing more varied character types to be recognized.
Tina Fey Revises Script for New Musical Adaptation
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Tina Fey, the writer of “Mean Girls,” faced criticism for certain jokes in the original film. When creating the script for the upcoming musical version, she recognized the need for change, acknowledging that some humor didn’t resonate well with today’s audiences. She explained that the way comedy is approached has shifted since then.
Fey made significant changes, including replacing derogatory phrases aimed at women. For instance, the description in the famed Burn Book was modified to reflect a more respectful tone. Fey stated that even a character like Regina George would understand the importance of evolving values in humor.
Sophia Michaels
