Jamie Lee Curtis has opened up about the challenges of making "Freakier Friday," the sequel to the beloved 2003 film "Freaky Friday". According to Curtis, the new movie presented unique difficulties compared to its predecessor because it revolves around the complexities of adult relationships rather than the more straightforward dynamic between an adult and a teenager.
In "Freaky Friday," Curtis played Tess Coleman, a mother who swaps bodies with her teenage daughter, Anna, played by Lindsay Lohan. The contrast between an adult and a teenager made it easier to define their differences, with Curtis noting the distinct ways adults and teenagers stand and behave. "In Freaky Friday, it's really easy - adult, teenager. Adults stand up like this, teenagers slump," she explained.
"Freakier Friday" revisits Tess and Anna years later, with Anna now a mother herself. The sequel introduces a new generation into the body-swapping chaos. Anna is preparing to marry Eric, a British single dad, but tensions arise between Anna's daughter, Harper, and Eric's daughter, Lily. A fortune teller initiates a multi-generational body switch, leading to Anna swapping bodies with Harper, and Tess swapping with Lily. This "double swap" adds a layer of complexity to the story.
Curtis highlighted that the original film benefitted from the clear generational clashes between a Baby Boomer mom and a Millennial daughter. "Freakier Friday" incorporates the Zoomer generation, providing opportunities to explore new perspectives and comedic situations. Curtis particularly enjoys portraying a teenager again, this time imitating Lily and adopting British slang.
The film explores themes of family, understanding, and acceptance as the characters navigate their body-swapped situations. Anna and Tess, now mostly on the same page, face new challenges as they try to help Harper and Lily find common ground. The sequel also delves into Anna's personal growth, with the once rebellious punk rocker now embracing therapy-speak as a mom.
"Freakier Friday" sees the return of familiar faces, including Mark Harmon as Tess's husband, Chad Michael Murray as Anna's former boyfriend, and Rosalind Chao. New cast members include Julia Butters as Harper, Manny Jacinto as Eric, and Sophia Hammons as Lily.
The film is directed by Nisha Ganatra, with Jordan Weiss rewriting a script initially penned by Elyse Hollander. Principal photography began in June 2024 and concluded in August 2024.
Curtis has described herself as "bossy" when it comes to mentoring Lohan, emphasizing that she tries to respect Lohan's autonomy. Curtis also revealed that she was the one who approached Disney about making a sequel, recognizing the continued interest in "Freaky Friday". She contacted Disney CEO Bob Iger, suggesting that Lindsay Lohan was now old enough to play a mother to a teenager, and the market for a sequel existed.
"Freakier Friday" is described as a nostalgic tribute to the original, with critics praising the chemistry between Curtis and Lohan. The film is set to be released in theaters on August 8, 2025.