Mark Harmon, best known for his long-running portrayal of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs on CBS's NCIS, is set to return to the acting scene. After stepping away from the show three years ago, Harmon will star in the sequel to the beloved 2003 Disney film, Freaky Friday, titled Craziest Friday. This continuation features Harmon's character, Ryan, who is married to Tess Coleman, played by Jamie Lee Curtis. The upcoming sequel is geared up for release on August 8, 2025, promising to take viewers back to the fantastic adventure of body-swapping chaos once again.
Returning to the iconic role not only marks Harmon's re-entry to the big screen but also prompts speculation about his previous character, Gibbs, possibly making a comeback on NCIS. Currently, with the show set to premiere its 22nd season on January 7, 2025, there is buzz surrounding the potential for Gibbs to return as a recurring guest star, providing guidance to the current team led by Gary Cole's Alden Parker and Sean Murray's Timothy McGee.
With his long tenure on NCIS, Harmon made the difficult decision to leave the series, citing the demanding schedule at the age of 73. He is now pursuing multiple avenues, including writing another book titled Ghosts of Panama, which chronicles real-life investigations from the Naval Investigative Service. His return to acting may not only reinvigorate his love for performance but also solidify his presence back on screen.
Meanwhile, on the horror genre front, the streaming service Paramount+ has announced the arrival of 2002's Halloween: Resurrection. Scheduled to be added to the platform's catalog on January 1, the film will join other iconic horror films, including entries from Friday the 13th and Scream. Despite its infamous reputation as one of the lesser installments, this eighth entry features several notable names such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Tyra Banks, and Busta Rhymes.
Lauded as the flagbearer of the Halloween franchise, this film marked Curtis's return as Laurie Strode. Unfortunately, her role concluded quickly, and the movie shifted to portray the confrontation between Michael Myers and new qualifiers of today’s internet-driven reality, aiming to critique found footage filmmaking. Though it saw marginal success at the box office, accumulating $37.6 million against its $15 million production budget, it did little to revive audiences' faith in the franchise.
Further elevational news within the Halloween franchise, Miramax Television is actively pursuing plans for a reboot featuring the timeless elements from the original film created by John Carpenter. According to Marc Helwig of Miramax, this new venture aims to redirect toward foundational themes and characters initially established, with plans to innovate creatively around less-explored personas. He states, "The foundation of it is the original film, the John Carpenter movie, and perhaps a group of characters we haven’t really focused on..."
Across the pond, the Freaky Friday musical is set for its UK premiere at HOME Manchester, taking place from November 27 to December 31, 2025. The production, inspired by both the original 1972 novel and the successful Disney film adaptations, follows the struggles and eventual appreciation between Katherine, the overworked mother, and her teenage daughter, Ellie, who switch bodies. Directed by Andy Fickman, the show promises to deliver heartfelt moments of self-discovery as the characters navigate the trials of each other's lives.
Originally developed through Disney Theatrical Productions, the musical brings back nostalgic sentiments for fans of the franchise, and its performances have received acclaim across multiple venues since its premiere at Signature Theatre back in 2016. Although no casting details for the Manchester version have been released yet, it is expected to offer both humor and heartfelt messages alongside music by Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey.
With avenues opening for creative adaptations of Freaky Friday and streaming access to the Halloween film, it appears the affection for classic tales remains steadfast among audiences. Harmon’s foray back to the entertainment sector signifies not just nostalgia, but the evolution of characters we have known for years, drawing upon timeless themes of self-reflection as seen through the multi-layered adaptations on both stage and screen.
These new adaptations and releases are more than mere remakes; they tap back to cherished memories, aiming to resonate with both old fans and new audiences alike as they explore stories of identity and the horror genre's relentless grip on culture.
2025 will surely mark the comeback of beloved characters as audiences clamor for their return and engagement, excited for the next layers to these well-established narratives.
