Movie Freakier Friday | $87,869,342
Introduction
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, Freakier Friday is a fantasy–comedy sequel to the beloved 2003 film Freaky Friday. Directed by Nisha Ganatra and written by Jordan Weiss (story by Elyse Hollander and Jordan Weiss), it brings back iconic stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, reprising their roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. The film, produced by Walt Disney Pictures along with Gunn Films and Burr! Productions, premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on July 22, 2025, and was theatrically released on August 8, 2025.
Plot Summary
Set 22 years after the original, Anna (Lohan) is now a single mother and successful music producer. Her teenage daughter Harper clashes with Lily, the daughter of Anna’s fiancé, Eric (played by Manny Jacinto). On the eve of Anna’s wedding, a magical incident causes two body swaps: Anna with Harper, and Tess (Curtis) with Lily. Through mismatched identities, the four must navigate high school dramas, family tensions, and generational misunderstandings—ultimately learning empathy, love, and acceptance.
Production Notes & Trivia
- Filming occurred in Los Angeles between June and August 2024, with the title officially announced at D23 in August 2024.
- The film’s score was composed by Amie Doherty, notable collaborator with Ganatra. The iconic fictional band Pink Slip performs a new version of “Take Me Away.”
Cast & Performances
- Main cast includes Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters (Harper), Sophia Hammons (Lily), Manny Jacinto (Eric), with returning faces like Chad Michael Murray, Mark Harmon, and more.
- The dynamic four-way body swap creates comedic and emotional complexity, blending nostalgia with fresh generational conflict.
Critical Reception
- Box Office: The film grossed $132.6 million worldwide, including $82.2 million domestically and $50.4 million internationally. It opened to $28.6 million, finishing second to Weapons.
- Audience Response: CinemaScore gave it an A, and Rotten Tomatoes highlights it as a cozy, nostalgic, family-friendly ride.
- Positive Reviews: Entertainment Weekly praised it as “the sequel millennials deserve” with charm and emotional depth. Cinemablend also commended its wit, intergenerational themes, and heartfelt performance from the cast.
- Mixed to Negative Reviews: Time magazine criticized it for leaning too heavily on nostalgia without the original’s charm. Pittsburgh Magazine called it uninspired though harmless. The Australian labeled it subpar and unoriginal.
- Social Commentary: Allure raised concerns about confusing casting dynamics linked to cosmetic enhancements and age identity.
Cultural Notes & Backlash
- Jamie Lee Curtis called a harsh Time review “a tad harsh” on Instagram, showing her support for the project amidst criticism. Audiences responded favorably overall, with a strong 93% approval rating.
Conclusion
Freakier Friday stands as a nostalgic yet modern spin on the original fantasy comedy, exploring family bonds across generations through its multilateral body-swap twist. While its charm and performances shine for many, criticisms lie in its reliance on nostalgia and formulaic structure. Nevertheless, with box office success, audience appreciation, and a heartfelt return of iconic characters, the film extends the legacy of Freaky Friday into the next generation.
