The Role of Social Media in the New Film, 'Mean Girls: The Musical'

Australian actress Angourie Rice discusses the impact of social media in the highly anticipated adaptation of Mean Girls: The Musical, a beloved cult classic from 2004.

The film's popularity led to the development of a musical with the same name, earning a Tony Award nomination and widespread acclaim during its Broadway run. Although the show debuted in 2018 and ended in 2021 after 833 performances, fans can look forward to the movie adaptation hitting theaters in January 2024.

During a recent interview with Refinery29, Angourie Rice, who portrays Lindsey Lohan's character Cady Heron, highlighted the variations between the original film and the new musical adaptation. Specifically, the actress emphasized the significance of social media in the adaptation and how it complements, rather than alters, the essence of the original movie.

She started by pointing out that social media is now a major part of society that wasn't present in 2004. She noted that this was a significant difference.

However, she also praised how the film incorporates social media without overshadowing the original themes from the 2004 version. She explained that while social media is included, the core of the story remains the power struggles. Social media serves as the vehicle through which Regina George asserts dominance and the means through which the Burn Book spreads throughout the school.

The 2024 adaptation of the original movie will continue to embrace the main themes that made the movie a cult classic, focusing on the complexities of teenage female friendships and relationships. Rice emphasizes that the film stays true to the high school experience for girls and explores the power struggles that come with it.

The actor stated that the 2004 film, which explores the experience of being a teenager in the noughties, received widespread acclaim for its portrayal of high school cliques, bullying, and internalized misogyny. "I believe these dynamics are still highly applicable today. Despite some changes in context, the film feels genuine and truthful." To stay updated on all the latest TV and movie news, be sure to visit Dexerto for complete coverage.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of the original 2004 film "Mean Girls," I am thrilled about the upcoming movie adaptation of the Tony-nominated musical. The inclusion of social media as a pivotal element in the new film adds a modern twist that resonates with today's society. Angourie Rice's insights into the role of social media in the adaptation highlight how it complements rather than alters the essence of the original movie.

The fact that social media is now an integral part of our lives, unlike in 2004, makes this adaptation feel relevant and relatable to contemporary audiences. However, I appreciate that the film doesn't let social media overshadow the core themes of power struggles and female relationships that made the original movie so iconic. It's exciting to see how Regina George's dominance and the spread of the Burn Book will be portrayed through social media platforms.