10 Behind-the-Scenes Facts You Didn’t Know About“ Mean Girls”, Including the Stars Who Almost Played the Plastics

‘Mean Girls’ Turns 21: 10 Fascinating Behind-the-Scenes Facts

As ‘Mean Girls’ celebrates its 21st anniversary since hitting theatres on April 30, 2004, it continues to capture the hearts of audiences worldwide. The iconic teen comedy, written by Tina Fey and directed by Mark Waters, remains a beloved classic due to its witty script, memorable characters, and clever commentary on high school social dynamics. Inspired by Rosalind Wiseman’s book ‘Queen Bees and Wannabes’, Fey delved into her own high school experiences to craft a story that resonated with many.

Featuring a star-studded cast with Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron, Rachel McAdams as Regina George, and standout performances from Amanda Seyfried, Lacey Chabert, and Fey herself, ‘Mean Girls’ quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Grossing over $130 million worldwide, the film has not only stood the test of time but also spawned a successful Broadway musical and a movie musical adaptation in 2024.

However, beyond the quotable lines and memorable characters, the production of ‘Mean Girls’ held its own share of intriguing stories. From casting decisions to on-set mishaps, here are 10 behind-the-scenes facts that shed light on the making of this iconic movie.

1. Lindsay Lohan Initially Wanted to Play Regina:
Before stepping into the role of Cady, Lohan expressed interest in portraying Regina George, desiring a change from her previous troubled teen roles. However, the filmmakers believed Lohan’s charm and innocence suited the character of Cady better, ultimately leading to her iconic portrayal.

2. Potential Plastics:
Blake Lively, Megan Fox, and Kristen Stewart were among the actresses considered for roles in the Plastics. Seyfried auditioned for Regina but ended up playing Karen, while Stewart was a contender for Cady before the final cast was decided.

3. Glen Coco’s Accidental Casting:
The character Glen Coco, known for his famous line, was actually played by David Reale by sheer chance. Reale stumbled onto the set, initially rejected for a role, only to be given a part as Glen Coco during filming.

4. Regina George’s Wig:
Rachel McAdams sported a custom $10,000 wig to achieve Regina’s signature blonde look in the film. The intricate process involved a unique drying method to maintain the sleek style throughout filming.

5. Close-call with Ratings:
‘Mean Girls’ almost received an R rating due to explicit language that had to be amended to secure the final PG-13 rating. The creative team challenged the decision, highlighting inconsistencies in the rating system for gender-specific content.

6. Aaron Samuels Casting Drama:
Jonathan Bennett landed the role of Aaron Samuels after an unnamed actor was let go post-table read. The initial choice’s relaxed approach to the role didn’t align with the character’s portrayal, leading to Bennett’s eventual casting.

7. Lohan’s Missed Start:
Due to a bout of pink eye, Lohan missed the first day of filming, causing a minor hiccup in the production schedule. The initial scenes were shot without her presence on set.

8. The Influence of Real Names:
Many characters in ‘Mean Girls’ were named after people in Fey’s life, adding authenticity to the storytelling process. Glen Coco, for instance, was named after a friend of Fey’s brother.

9. Studio’s Initial Doubt:
Paramount initially hesitated to cast several Saturday Night Live alumni in the film, fearing the movie might be perceived as an SNL production. Overcoming reservations, the cast, including Tina Fey and Tim Meadows, proved indispensable to the film’s success.

10. Fey’s Sequel Regret:
Reflecting on the film’s legacy, Tina Fey expressed regret over not pursuing a sequel earlier, feeling a missed opportunity for further storytelling. Despite this, Fey’s involvement in subsequent adaptations, like the Broadway musical, has continued to expand the ‘Mean Girls’ universe.

As ‘Mean Girls’ continues to enchant audiences two decades on, these behind-the-scenes revelations offer a peek into the magic that brought this iconic film to life.’

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