Movies

Director and Star Criticize Asian Stereotypes in Original Freaky Friday, Promise Changes in Sequel

BBG News

Director Nisha Ganatra admitted feeling conflicted regarding the depiction of Asians in the original film, a sentiment echoed by actor Manny Jacinto who expressed similar reservations.

Filmmaker Nisha, aged 50, is directing the follow-up to the 2003 Disney comedy that’s scheduled for release in cinemas on August 8th.

In the movie, a magical spell for swapping bodies was secretly cast by Chinese restaurant owners upon the quarreling duo, Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis) and her daughter Anna Coleman (Lindsay Lohan), through two fortune cookies.

Nisha brought up the ‘problematic’ issue with producers as soon as she signed on to the project.

She shared with Entertainment Weekly, “I recall watching it and experiencing a mix of emotions, particularly concerning the portrayal of Asians, as well as the music soundtrack they employed.

In my initial discussions with the producers, I quickly raised the issue of representation, emphasizing my concerns about potentially stereotypical portrayals of Asians. During one part of the presentation, I exclaimed something like, ‘Let’s be mindful of problematic Asian representation!’

The initial movie, a contemporary reboot of the 1976 film featuring Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster, was helmed by Mark Waters. In an attempt to rectify any perceived shortcomings for viewers, Ganatra has intentionally incorporated “subtle touches” or “small moments” in this version to address certain issues.

She added: ‘We owed audiences to make it right on this one.’

There are instances within this film that may not detract from it overall, but provide a sense of satisfaction for those who experienced painful moments in the previous installment.

In the 2003 movie, it might not have been intentional at that time, but it was an issue that stood out to me, particularly as an Asian individual, because I was very sensitive about it.

In the forthcoming movie, Manny plays Anna’s future spouse, and he expressed concern about the limited representation or inclusivity in the original production, which he found to be an issue.

When he thought about joining, he recalled watching the original Freaky Friday and thinking, “This film doesn’t seem as inclusive as it once was, with its portrayal of diverse characters.

Based on my familiarity with Nisha and conversations with individuals within our group, it was clear that she was well-versed in those archetypes or topics addressed initially. I had a strong sense of being thoroughly looked after under her leadership.

After Nisha shared that she had asked Jodie Foster for a sentimental appearance, however, the actress declined her request.

Ganatra, aged 50, shared with Entertainment Weekly that we had implored her, but she refused. In simpler terms, she said no.

The filmmaker admitted honestly that they had exhausted all possibilities, but regrettably, they never uncovered the reason behind the Silence of the Lambs actor’s decision to decline.

According to Ganatra, it was planned to appoint her as the head of the school that Anna’s character attends.

The opening scene of the official trailer features Anna Lohan (playing as herself) and her mother, Tess Curtis, engaging in conversation with a fortuneteller portrayed by former Saturday Night Live cast member, Vanessa Bayer.

While providing a reading, the fortune teller remarked, “It seems your life paths have crossed before! You’ve been walking on roads that touch one another.

Lindsay and Jamie then looked at each other and pretended to be shocked over the revelation.

However, the fortune teller added, ‘You learned a lesson. A lesson that may serve you again.’

The following day, Lohan and Curtis awaken with a start, finding themselves abruptly outside their physical forms, and let out a frightened yell upon gazing at their mirrored images.

However, things are more complex than they initially appear, as it seems both Lindsay’s biological daughter Harper (played by Julia Butters) and her prospective stepdaughter Lily (portrayed by Sophia Hammons) might also have a part in the mystery.

Afterward, it appears as if Curtis is exclaiming rather passionately, ‘My face seems like a Birkin bag that has been exposed to sunlight and decayed!’

In the remainder of the preview, brief scenes unfold where the family attempt to unravel the mystery of flipping the switch, all the while disguising themselves by acting like they usually do in their ordinary daily routines.

Towards the finale, Curtis and Lohan were walking along a sidewalk, both looking stylish. Jamie then informed Lindsay, “Alright, I’ll signal you when it’s perfect for your sultry grand entry.

I’d say, “I confidently step into view as if straight out of a movie, arriving on a sleek motorcycle, helmets off to reveal my face.

‘Oh, like that,’ Lohan says out loud which concluded the trailer.

In the next installment, we find that it’s been quite some time since Tess and Anna experienced their identity dilemma. Now, Anna is a mother to a little girl, while also preparing to take on the role of a stepmother for another young girl soon.

‘While dealing with the difficulties that arise when two families combine, Tess and Anna find out that love may just happen again.’ (This version tries to convey the idea of finding love twice in a different way.)

In this movie, we also see the appearances of Manny Jacinto, Mark Harmon, Ryan Malgarini, Haley Hudson, and Christina Vidal Mitchell.

The following actors are among those starring in the film: Manny Jacinto, Mark Harmon, Ryan Malgarini, Haley Hudson, and Christina Vidal Mitchell.

Lastly: Along with the lead actors, Manny Jacinto, Mark Harmon, Ryan Malgarini, Haley Hudson, and Christina Vidal Mitchell are also part of the cast in this film.

Freakier Friday is released in cinemas on August 8.

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2025-05-01 03:31

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