Unveiling the Real Story Behind Mean Girls

Mean Girls is making a comeback, this time in the form of a musical. But did you know that the movie was actually inspired by real people? Now, the musical adaptation is hitting the big screen and inviting audiences to once again immerse themselves in the world of Mean Girls.

The Tony-nominated musical hit Broadway in 2018, based on Tina Fey's 2004 movie. Sadly, its 833 show run was cut short in 2021 due to global restrictions. Mean Girls has taken many forms over the past couple of decades, including a movie, a musical, and a movie musical. However, the Lindsey Lohan 2004 film was not the origin of the Mean Girls story. There’s actually a large slice of truth within the tale...

Mean Girls is based on a book that’s based on real people

Mean Girls is an adaptation of the 2002 non-fiction book, Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl World, authored by Rosalind Wiseman. The book drew inspiration from the experiences of real teens at National Cathedral School, a private girls’ middle school in Washington.

The book's third edition, Queen Bees and Wannabes, gives parents insight into the complex world of their teenage daughters' relationships, offering strategies for navigating these dynamics. Incorporating input and stories from current girls, the book delves into 'Girl World' to examine teasing, gossip, beauty, alcohol and drugs, boys and sex, and more, highlighting the impact of cliques in every situation. Although the phrase "Girl World" may evoke memories of Mean Girls, it is undeniable that Tina Fey drew inspiration for the film from the social dynamics and lingo found in the book, as well as from her own high school experiences.

Mean Girls offers relatable real-life scenarios for teenagers, including gossiping about friends, social dynamics in large groups, and feeling like an outcast. A columnist for the Washington Post recalled how her school was mentioned in the original book and expressed her connection to the characters. Rosalind Wiseman recently engaged in legal battles with Tina Fey and Paramount over fair compensation for the rights to the book, the musical, and the upcoming movie.

Catch Mean Girls in US theaters starting January 12 and in UK theaters on January 17. Check out additional Mean Girls movie content here, and for more of our regular TV and movie coverage, click here.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate fan of Mean Girls, I am thrilled to learn about the real story behind this iconic movie. It's fascinating to discover that the film was inspired by a non-fiction book that delves into the lives of real individuals. The fact that the movie is based on true events makes it even more relatable and captivating. I can't wait to see the musical adaptation and immerse myself once again in the world of Mean Girls.

The revelation that Mean Girls is rooted in real-life experiences adds a new layer of depth and authenticity to the story. It's clear that Tina Fey drew inspiration from the social dynamics and lingo found in Rosalind Wiseman's book, as well as from her own high school experiences. This connection to reality makes the movie even more poignant and thought-provoking. I appreciate the honesty and relatability that Mean Girls brings to the forefront, and I believe it's a testament to the power of storytelling to reflect and shape our understanding of the world around us.