Director Mark Waters reminisces about the impact of Disney’s “Freaky Friday,” a film that reunited Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan for the first time in over 20 years. The sequel, which was praised for its fresh take on the original story, has brought joy to fans worldwide.
Waters credits Jordan Weiss as the writer and his own direction for bringing a new spin to the classic tale while honoring its roots. The cast’s reunion was particularly welcomed by audiences, with notable actors such as Chad Michael Murray, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Ryan Malgarini returning in significant roles.
Notably absent from the sequel is Waters himself, who directed the original 2003 version that catapulted Lindsay Lohan to stardom and revitalized Mark Waters’ career. In an interview, Waters expressed his admiration for Weiss’s work on “Freaky Friday” and revealed he had planned to attend the opening weekend but was unable due to a busy schedule.
Waters touched upon how the original film launched his career, leading to hits like “Mean Girls” and “Mister Popper’s Penguins.” He shared stories of pitching himself for “Freaky Friday,” emphasizing the importance of making movies that resonate with audiences. Waters also addressed the Asian representation in the film, stating it was meant to be absurd but not mean-spirited.
The sequel’s reception has sparked discussions about its success and longevity. While some critics have panned the new installment, Waters remains supportive, acknowledging that he never developed a sequel concept. He expressed his support for the latest “Freaky Friday” film and looked forward to collaborating with Lindsay Lohan in the future.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/features/freaky-friday-director-mark-waters-not-invited-back-sequel-1236489728