Twenty-one years after the release of the original movie, Disney’s sequel, Freakier Friday, is already drawing positive early reviews. Although the film will officially premiere in theaters on August 8, press members who have previewed it are sharing their excitement, highlighting the movie as a humorous and heartfelt return to a beloved story. This enthusiasm is especially encouraging given how long-awaited sequels often struggle to live up to expectations.
In the 2003 original, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan starred as Tess and Anna Coleman, who swap bodies via magical fortune cookies. The new sequel advances the timeline: Anna is now an adult with a teenage daughter named Harper, played by Julia Butters. Anna plans to marry Eric (Manny Jacinto), who also has a teenage daughter, Lily (Sophia Hammons). This sequel features a complex four-way body swap involving Tess, Anna, Harper, and Lily. The tension between Harper and Lily adds to the chaos, as the two teenagers attempt to sabotage their parents’ engagement.
Critics Applaud the Sequel’s Direction and Writing for Capturing the Spirit of the Original
Freakier Friday is helmed by director Nisha Ganatra, with a writing team that has successfully revitalized the body-swap genre. Carla Renata, known as @TheCurvyCritic on X, expressed strong approval:
“got this one ALL THE WAY RIGHT!” —Carla Renata, Critic
Chris Killian of ComicBook.com added his perspective on the film’s entertaining qualities, emphasizing its emotional appeal and nostalgic touches:
“Even though the body-swap genre’s been played out, #FreakierFriday is a silly, feel-good romp that’s got some heart to it. The cast are game, familiar faces pop up, and with some catchy new tunes, I can’t imagine FF fans won’t shed a nostalgic tear of joy for Freakier Friday.” —Chris Killian, ComicBook.com
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan Reunite to Deliver Strong Performances
Directed by Mark Waters, the original 2003 Freaky Friday was both a critical and financial success, grossing $160 million worldwide on a $25 million budget. Jamie Lee Curtis received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress for her role as Tess Coleman, while Lindsay Lohan’s portrayal of Anna was also highly praised. Early review reactions suggest the chemistry between Curtis and Lohan remains a highlight in the sequel.
Jazz Tangcay, a senior editor at Variety, praised the pair alongside the rest of the cast, saying:
“#freakierFriday is an absolute riot! I laughed and I cried. It’s such a great feel-good film. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis deliver hilarity and emotion in this funtastic sequel. I never knew I needed this film! Oh and Manny Jacinto, I love him.” —Jazz Tangcay, Variety
Another reviewer shared their enthusiasm, remarking on Curtis’s spirited performance and the film’s blend of humor and emotion:
“#FreakierFriday is great. I was howling. Jamie Lee Curtis is having the time of her life and it’s a blast to watch. It’s silly and sometimes confusing but hilarious throughout, even touching at times. Absolutely some of the most fun I’ve had watching a movie this year.” —Unnamed Reviewer
Returning and New Cast Members Add Depth and Freshness
Alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, several cast members are returning to their roles. Chad Michael Murray, Rosalind Chao, Mark Harmon, Ryan Malgarini, Christina Vidal Mitchell, Haley Hudson, Stephen Tobolowsky, and Lucille Soong reprise their characters from the original. New cast additions infuse the story with new energy, including Manny Jacinto as Eric, Julia Butters as Harper Coleman, Sophia Hammons as Lily Davies, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Chloe Fineman, and Vanessa Bayer.
The interactions among these characters, especially with the four-way body swap and the complicated dynamics between Harper and Lily, bring both humor and drama that critics say enrich the sequel.
Anticipation Builds for Freakier Friday’s Theatrical Release
The early positive responses suggest Freakier Friday will effectively blend nostalgia with fresh comedic and emotional moments, appealing both to fans of the original and new audiences. With its release set for August 8, the film aims to provide a heartfelt, funny experience celebrating family bonds and generational relationships. The return of Jamie Lee Curtis alongside Lindsay Lohan and the introduction of new characters promise an entertaining sequel that honors its predecessor while exploring new ground.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did Jamie Lee Curtis apologize?
A. Jamie Lee Curtis has apologized for her remarks about Marvel. At San Diego Comic-Con, she made a comment that upset many fans. When MTV asked her about the current phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, she bluntly replied, “Bad.” Now, she has expressed regret and promised to be more thoughtful in her responses.
Q. What kind of addiction did Jamie Lee Curtis have?
A. Curtis has shared that she got hooked on opiates in the late 1980s after being prescribed painkillers for minor eye surgery. In a 2018 interview with People, she said, “I was early into the opiate crisis.” She explained that she spent 10 years involved in secretive and dishonest behavior to get more pills.
Q. Why did Jamie Lee Curtis adopt?
A. Jamie Lee Curtis and her husband, Christopher Guest, chose adoption after facing difficulties with having children. Curtis mentioned that adoption became their only way to start a family. She said, “If you want to become a family, that’s the path you take.”
Q. Why did Jamie Lee Curtis have to adopt?
A. Jamie and Christopher chose adoption to expand their family after dealing with infertility. Jamie explained, “Adoption was our only path to having a family. It was the only option that made sense to us. If you wish to have a family, that is how you make it happen.”
