Disney is gearing up for a nostalgic yet fresh twist on a beloved classic with the upcoming release of "Freakier Friday," set to hit theaters on August 8, 2025. The sequel to the 2003 hit "Freaky Friday" reunites Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis as the iconic mother-daughter duo, Anna and Tess Coleman, but this time the chaos escalates with a four-way body swap that entangles not only the original pair but also the next generation.
The story picks up years after the original identity crisis that saw Anna and Tess swapping bodies. Now, Anna is preparing to marry Eric, played by Manny Jacinto, who has a daughter named Lily, while Anna herself has a daughter named Harper, portrayed by Julia Butters. However, the merging of these two families is anything but smooth. Harper and Lily are not exactly thrilled about becoming stepsisters, a tension that fuels much of the film’s conflict.
During Anna’s bachelorette party, a visit to a fortune teller, played by Vanessa Bayer, sets the stage for another supernatural twist. A lightning strike triggers a new body swap, but this time it’s quadruple the trouble: Anna and her daughter Harper switch bodies, while Tess and Lily also swap, turning the family dynamic upside down. This setup promises a fresh take on the classic body-swap trope, adding layers of complexity as each character must navigate life in someone else’s shoes.
As the swapped characters struggle to handle their new realities, Lily, inhabiting Tess’s body, takes a mischievous turn by trying to break up Anna and Eric’s impending wedding. Her plan involves reuniting Anna with her old flame, Jake, who is reprised by Chad Michael Murray from the original 2003 film. This reunion adds a charming callback that fans of the original will appreciate, blending nostalgia with new storytelling.
The film’s humor shines through in moments like Anna (in her daughter’s body) awkwardly trying to act sexy, only to be told by a young man that she looks like she’s having a stroke. Meanwhile, Tess (in Lily’s body) flirts with a teenage boy, leading to a comedic scene where his father recognizes Tess as his therapist. These playful scenes highlight the film’s balance of heartfelt family dynamics and lighthearted comedy.
Directed by Nisha Ganatra, known for her work on "The High Note" and "Late Night," "Freakier Friday" is based on Mary Rodgers’ classic book "Freaky Friday." The screenplay was penned by Jordan Weiss, who created the Hulu series "Dollface" and co-wrote the Max romantic comedy "Sweethearts." The film’s production team includes producers Kristin Burr, Andrew Gunn, and Jamie Lee Curtis herself, with executive producers Nathan Kelly, Ann Marie Sanderlin, and Lindsay Lohan, who also returns not only as an actress but as a driving creative force behind the project.
The cast is rounded out with familiar faces and new additions, including Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Rosalind Chao, Vanessa Bayer, Mark Harmon, and Sophia Hammons as Lily. The blend of veteran actors and fresh talent aims to appeal to both longtime fans and new audiences.
Fans can revisit the original 2003 "Freaky Friday" on Disney+, alongside the even earlier 1977 version starring Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris, to prepare for the sequel’s release. The new trailer, which dropped on June 6, 2025, has been met with enthusiasm for clearing up initial confusion about the plot and showcasing the film’s comedic and emotional stakes.
Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan had expressed openness to a sequel in interviews with The New York Times in 2023. Curtis, in particular, initiated discussions with Disney after promoting "Halloween Ends," noting the enduring fan interest. "When I came back [from promoting the movie], I called my friends at Disney and said, 'It feels like there’s a movie to be made,'" she said, underscoring the genuine affection behind the project.
What sets "Freakier Friday" apart is its clever expansion of the original’s premise. Instead of a simple mother-daughter swap, the film explores the complexities of blended families, generational conflicts, and the chaos of preparing for a wedding—all wrapped up in a fantastical body-switching scenario. It’s a story about empathy and understanding, told with humor and heart.
The anticipation is palpable, with critics and fans alike praising the trailer’s mix of nostalgia and fresh energy. The film promises to deliver the kind of family-friendly entertainment that respects its source material while pushing the story forward in inventive ways.
As August 8 approaches, audiences can look forward to a summer movie that combines laughter, heartfelt moments, and a touch of magical mayhem. "Freakier Friday" is poised to become a new classic for a new generation, proving that sometimes, lightning really does strike twice.
