Lindsay Lohan was almost cast as Regina George in Mean Girls after Rachel McAdams was deemed ‘too old’ to play new girl Cady

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Two decades back, I followed closely as Mean Girls carved out its niche at the box office, eventually transforming into a beloved cultural phenomenon – a timeless classic that still resonates today.

The high school drama film featuring Lindsay Lohan portraying a social outcast and Rachel McAdams in the role of the popular girl might have had a completely distinct plotline.

Originally, it was intended for Lindsay Lohan, at 39 years old, to embody Regina George. However, director Mark Waters, who had previously collaborated with me on Freaky Friday in 2003, found himself struggling to find a suitable actress for the role of Cady Heron. He felt that, at this point in my career, I was considered ‘too old’ for the part.

Rachel was 25 years old at the time of filming, while Lindsay was 18. 

The director shared with Variety that initially, he had considered a Canadian actress for the role. He communicated to her, “Although you’re too old for this specific part, I believe you’re a cinematic legend, you’re exceptional.” It turned out to be Rachel McAdams.

‘Tina Fey, Lorne Michaels, and Sherry Lansing viewed an early version of Freaky Friday, and they made the decision that they wanted both myself and Lindsay to be included.’

‘I convinced everyone that Lindsay should be playing Regina, not Cady,’ he recalled.

‘Lindsay’s energy is much more like Regina — I don’t mean that in a negative way,’ he said.

She’s exceptionally assertive and has a very dominant character. I vividly recall her performance in the scenes featuring Regina, which were simply outstanding.

Upon attempting to choose Cady for our production,” the award-winning figure from the American Film Institute stated, “we failed to locate a suitable candidate.

In simpler terms, when we weren’t able to secure the role of Cady for Regina, we turned to Rachel instead. Her acting being a bit more mature fit perfectly as it added an element of power and seriousness to the character.

Lohan, who was 17 at the time, was disappointed but went along with the casting change. 

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but share the thrilling anecdote about how I was destined to star in the blockbuster film “Freaky Friday.” According to the legendary CEO of Paramount Pictures, Sherry Lansing, the movie’s resounding success left her no choice but to cast me as the lead. It feels like fate that everything has aligned so perfectly for this incredible opportunity!

In a New York Times interview, Lindsay Lohan verified the change in cast members for the movie “Freaky Friday,” alongside her co-stars Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons.

She mentioned that they were fortunate due to their similar ages, a factor which had caused challenges for her when working alongside her fellow actors on the set of Mean Girls.

‘It was hard because Rachel McAdams was so much older,’ she told the publication.

At that time, Lacy Chabert and Amanda Seyfried, who were 21 and 17 respectively, had completed their education, whereas Lindsay Lohan was still attending school. ‘Amanda and Lacey were spending a lot of time together. It was challenging for me to find my place among them.’

The blockbuster movie Mean Girls amassed over $130 million globally and sparked a Broadway musical that garnered no less than 12 Tony Award nominations.

The 2024 movie musical adaptation of “Mean Girls” was motivated by the initial show, raking in over $104 million worldwide.

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2025-08-19 02:48