Today : Mar 18, 2025
Arts & Culture
18 March 2025

Disney's Freakier Friday Brings Back Beloved Cast

Set for release on August 8, the sequel promises nostalgia and new adventures with beloved characters.

Disney has announced the highly anticipated sequel to the beloved 2003 film, Freaky Friday, titled Freakier Friday, set to hit theaters on August 8, 2025. The original film, which starred Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, became a box-office success, grossing $160 million against a $20 million budget. This new installment looks to rekindle the magic of the original film after more than two decades.

The trailer for Freakier Friday was unveiled on Friday, March 14, 2025, showcasing Curtis and Lohan returning to their iconic roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. The duo, who previously experienced a magical body-swap scenario, are back to navigate the trials and tribulations of merging families with their children. The film promises to include all the fun and chaos of their body-switching adventures, just this time with the added sassy remarks and shenanigans of the younger generation.

The supporting cast features several familiar faces, including Chad Michael Murray reprising his role as Jake, Anna's teenage crush who’s now all grown up and riding motorcycles. Mark Harmon is also back as Ryan, Tess' husband. Fans of the original film will be delighted to see Christine Vidal Mitchell and Haley Hudson, who played Anna’s bandmates, returning for this sequel. Curtis had expressed her excitement for their comeback, humorously stating, "Let me be the old grandma who switches places," on The View.

One intriguing twist is the involvement of new characters, including Anna’s daughter Harper, portrayed by Julia Butters, and her soon-to-be stepdaughter Lily, played by Sophia Hammons. Hammons described her experience working with Lohan and Curtis as surreal, stating, "Without giving away too much, I would say I am much more easygoing than she is!" The trailer hints at another body-swap scenario, this time involving both Anna and Tess swapping bodies with their daughters.

Meanwhile, fans are buzzing about Elaine Hendrix's cameo, famous for her role as Meredith Blake from The Parent Trap. Her role has yet to be revealed, adding another layer of excitement and nostalgia for fans who have followed Lohan's career from her early days. When referring to Hendrix's presence, Lohan mentioned the thrill of two of her best family films converging, indicating potential comedic interactions between her and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, featured as one of the new characters.

It’s not just the premise taking the audience down memory lane; the trailer includes the return of Anna's fictional band, Pink Slip, with hints at new music being performed. With the original cast and new additions blending seamlessly, the film promises to be both nostalgic and fresh.

After awaiting this sequel for over two decades, anticipation is understandably high. The original Freaky Friday remains popular among audiences today, largely due to its relatable themes about family dynamics and the importance of communication. Its status among Disney’s timeless classics has set the bar high for the sequel.

The release of Freakier Friday is part of Disney's slate, which includes 12 other films to be launched in 2025. Following its theatrical debut, it is expected to become available on Disney+, allowing the franchise to reach even more fans.

With promises of humor, heartwarming moments, and more body-swapping shenanigans, Freakier Friday looks to reconnect audiences with the themes of its predecessor. Disney is betting on its nostalgic pull to draw both new viewers and long-time fans alike.

Mark your calendars for August 8, 2025, and prepare to once again laugh and cringe alongside Tess and Anna as they tackle the ubiquitous challenges of parenting and family merging in this delightful sequel.

Notably, the excitement surrounding Hendrix's role continues to stir discussions about nostalgia and how beloved films often pave the way for the revival of their iconic characters. Fans remain curious about her potential character and how she will intertwine with the film’s main plot.

Fans eagerly await another chance to laugh at the chaos of family life and transformations. Freakier Friday aims to deliver just the right balance of entertainment and heartfelt moments, making it one of the most awaited releases of 2025.