10 Things You Didn't Know About the Making of Mean Girls

Oct. 3, 2024, 4:30 p.m. Entertainment

"10 Things You Didn't Know About the Making of Mean Girls"

Mean Girls, the iconic teen comedy film directed by Mark Waters and written by Tina Fey, has become a cult classic since its release in 2004. The movie follows the story of Cady Heron, a teenage girl navigating the treacherous waters of high school cliques and Regina George, the ruthless queen bee of North Shore High School. While Mean Girls is known for its sharp humor and memorable quotes, there are several behind-the-scenes secrets that even the most dedicated fans may not be aware of. Here are 10 things you didn't know about the making of Mean Girls:

1. The Film Was Based on a Non-Fiction Book
Before Mean Girls became a beloved teen comedy, it was actually inspired by Rosalind Wiseman's non-fiction book, "Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and Other Realities of Adolescence." Tina Fey, who wrote the screenplay for the film, used Wiseman's book as a guide to explore the dynamics of teenage girl cliques and the challenges they face in high school.

2. Lindsay Lohan Was Originally Considered for the Role of Regina George
While Lindsay Lohan ultimately played the lead role of Cady Heron in Mean Girls, she was initially considered for the role of Regina George, the ruthless leader of the Plastics. Director Mark Waters revealed that he initially envisioned Lohan playing the role of Regina, but Fey thought she would be better suited for the role of Cady.

3. Rachel McAdams Almost Didn't Land the Role of Regina George
While Rachel McAdams delivered a standout performance as Regina George, she almost didn't land the role. McAdams auditioned for the role multiple times and was even considered too nice to play the mean girl character. However, her talent and chemistry with the other cast members ultimately won her the role.

4. Amanda Seyfried's Amazing Memory
One of the standout scenes in Mean Girls is when Karen Smith, played by Amanda Seyfried, lists the days of the week that she wears pink. Seyfried's impressive memory allowed her to flawlessly deliver the dialogue without skipping a beat. This scene has become an iconic moment in the film and showcases Seyfried's comedic timing.

5. Tina Fey Had a Cameo in the Film
In addition to writing the screenplay for Mean Girls, Tina Fey also made a cameo appearance in the film. Fey played the role of Ms. Norbury, the math teacher who becomes a mentor to Cady. Fey's performance added another layer of humor to the film and solidified her role as a comedic powerhouse in Hollywood.

6. Lindsay Lohan's Iconic Dance Sequences
One of the most memorable scenes in Mean Girls is when Cady Heron performs a dance sequence with the Plastics during the talent show. Lohan's background as a professional dancer allowed her to execute the choreography with ease and finesse. The dance sequence became a fan favorite moment in the film and showcased Lohan's versatility as an actress.

7. The Burn Book Was Inspired by Real-Life Events
The infamous Burn Book, a book in which the Plastics write hurtful comments about their classmates, was inspired by real-life events. Tina Fey based the concept of the Burn Book on her own experiences in high school, where rumors and gossip were rampant among teenage girls. The Burn Book became a central plot point in the film and highlighted the damaging effects of gossip and bullying.

8. Lindsay Lohan's Injuries on Set
During the filming of Mean Girls, Lindsay Lohan suffered multiple injuries on set, including a minor car accident and a chip in her tooth. Despite these setbacks, Lohan continued to deliver a stellar performance as Cady Heron and brought depth to the character's journey from innocent newcomer to cunning manipulator.

9. Amy Poehler's Hilarious Ad-Libbed Scenes
Amy Poehler, who played Regina George's eccentric mother, Mrs. George, added her own comedic flair to the film with her ad-libbed lines. Poehler's improvisational skills brought humor to her character and created memorable moments that resonated with audiences. Her portrayal of the quirky Mrs. George became a fan favorite among Mean Girls fans.

10. The Legacy of Mean Girls
Mean Girls has left a lasting impact on popular culture and has become a touchstone for discussions about teenage girl dynamics and the perils of high school cliques. The film's witty dialogue, memorable characters, and iconic moments have cemented its status as a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Mean Girls remains a timeless film that captures the complexities and humor of adolescence in a way that is both entertaining and insightful.

In conclusion, Mean Girls is more than just a teen comedy – it is a cultural phenomenon that has stood the test of time. The behind-the-scenes secrets and trivia about the making of the film offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and dedication of the cast and crew. As Mean Girls celebrates its 18th anniversary, its legacy as a witty, sharp, and resonant film continues to endure, making it a timeless classic that will be cherished for years to come.