Released in 2003, Freaky Friday is a fantasy comedy film directed by Mark Waters and penned by Heather Hach and Leslie Dixon. This film is inspired by the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and serves as the third adaptation of the story, as well as the fifth installment in the Freaky Friday franchise.
Starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, the film centers on a mother-daughter duo, Tess and Anna, whose strained relationship is turned upside down when they accidentally switch bodies due to a magical mishap involving Chinese fortune cookies. As a result, they must navigate each other's lives, leading to unexpected lessons and revelations. The film features a talented supporting cast, including Harold Gould, Chad Michael Murray, and Mark Harmon, who contribute significantly to the story's charm and humor.
Released by Walt Disney Pictures on August 6, 2003, Freaky Friday enjoyed significant box office success, earning over $160 million globally on a production budget of $26 million. The film garnered mostly favorable reviews from critics, who especially highlighted the performances of Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, the latter receiving a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
A sequel, Freakier Friday, is set to debut in 2025, featuring the return of Curtis, Lohan, and much of the original supporting cast.
If you love the 2003 version of Freaky Friday, here are some facts you may not have heard before about the movie.
1. Freaky Friday Wouldn’t Have Been Made Without The Princess Diaries
The idea to remake Freaky Friday (1976) emerged when producer Andrew Gunn met with Nina Jacobson, the president of Buena Vista Motion Pictures Group, to brainstorm potential projects. Gunn suggested reviving either Freaky Friday or Witch Mountain. Although Jacobson was initially reluctant due to a 1995 ABC remake of Freaky Friday, she eventually came on board. Gunn, along with The Walt Disney Company executive Kristin Burr and screenwriter Heather Hach, began to explore creative possibilities. Their pitch gained traction after the success of The Princess Diaries (2001), which demonstrated the commercial appeal of female-led, family-oriented films.
2. Director Mark Waters Joined Because He Liked The 1976 Adaptation
Director Mark Waters joined the team following a meeting with Gunn and Burr, despite having some reservations about the script. He was ultimately won over by the project’s concept and had a personal affection for the original film.
3. Originally The Mother and Daughter Were A Psychiatrist and a Writer
In the initial version of the screenplay, the story featured a psychiatrist mother and her daughter, who was a school newspaper writer eager to land an interview with Gwen Stefani at the House of Blues. However, screenwriter Heather Hach transformed the characters into a more conventional mother and a free-spirited, alt-rock daughter, thinking this dynamic would enhance the film's appeal.
4. Lindsay Lohan’s Role Was Originally A Goth
Although Lindsay Lohan's role was originally conceived as a goth character, she felt that this depiction might be off-putting and chose to audition with a more preppy look, ultimately leading to a reimagining of her character as a grunge-inspired teenager.
5. Lindsay Lohan Learnt Guitar For An Entire Year
Amir Derakh worked as the guitar consultant for the film, providing guidance to Jamie Lee Curtis and collaborating with the actors portraying the band members during rehearsals. Although Lindsay Lohan dedicated an entire year to mastering the guitar, the final cut of the movie featured performances that were actually overdubbed by professional studio musicians.
6. The Switching Was Inspired By ‘Bewitched’
In the 2003 film "Freaky Friday," Anna and Tess devise a plan to return to their original selves by colliding from opposite sides of the room. This concept echoes a plot device from the classic series "Bewitched" (1964). Similarly, in the 1966 episode "Divided He Falls," Darrin finds himself split into two individuals, prompting Endora to propose a similar tactic to reverse the spell though, unlike Anna and Tess, Darrin also ends up dazed on the floor, but ultimately finds success.
7. There Is A "Warning: Parental Advisory" Connection
Anna's door features a poster that reads "Parental Advisory: Stay out of my room," a clever nod to director Mark Waters' previous project, the telefilm "Warning: Parental Advisory" (2002), which explored the origins of music warning labels.
8. There Are Some Musical Discrepancies
In the film, Anna recognizes Keith Richards simply from her mother's references to The Rolling Stones. Interestingly, earlier in the story, she shows a lack of familiarity with Stevie Nicks, despite the fact that Anna herself is the lead singer of a rock band.
9. Anna’s Father’s Guitar Is Not A Vintage Telecaster
In Freaky Friday, Anna mentions that she strums her father's vintage Telecaster guitar. However, the instrument featured in the movie is actually a Fender Telesonic, which made its debut in 1998. This means that within the context of the story, the guitar wouldn't qualify as 'old' during that time period.
10. Annette Benning Was Set To Play Tess Before Jamie Lee Curtis
Initially, Annette Bening was set to portray Tess Coleman in the film. However, she withdrew from the project shortly before shooting began, leading to Jamie Lee Curtis stepping in as her replacement. Sigourney Weaver was also on the list of potential candidates for the role. Remarkably, Curtis had just six days to get ready for her part after Bening's departure.
11. There Is A Clever ‘Psycho’ Reference For Jamie Lee Curtis
In a nod to Jamie Lee Curtis's mother, Janet Leigh, renowned for her iconic role in Psycho (1960), the film features a character named Mr. Bates, drawing inspiration from the character of the same name in the classic thriller.
12. The Band Pink Slip Performs In The End Credits
As the end credits roll, the band Pink Slip takes the stage at the wedding reception to perform their song "Ultimate."
13. Grandpa’s Lips Do Not Move At The Dinner Scene
During the rehearsal dinner scene, as Tess and Anna switch back, Grandpa can be heard exclaiming "Earthquake!" However, in the accompanying camera shot, his lips aren’t moving, and he appears to be looking around.
14. Freaky Friday Debuted Second Behind "S.W.A.T."
During its debut weekend, "Freaky Friday" generated $22.2 million across 2,954 theaters, securing the second spot at the box office, trailing behind "S.W.A.T.," which earned $37.1 million. Ultimately, the film accumulated a total of $110.2 million in North America and an additional $50.6 million internationally, bringing its overall earnings to $160.8 million. It premiered in the United Kingdom on December 19, 2003, where it debuted at the number four position.
15. There Is A ‘A Cinderella Story’ Connection
Chad Michael Murray (Jake) and Julie Gonzalo (Stacey) reunited in 2004 for A Cinderella Story, where they reprised similar roles from Freaky Friday. Murray once again played the love interest of the lead character, while Gonzalo took on the role of the rival. The film's main character was played by Hilary Duff, who had originally competed for the role of Anna, ultimately lost to Lindsay Lohan. During this period, Duff and Lohan were involved in a highly publicized feud.
16. Freaky Friday Had An Approval Rating Of 88%
Freaky Friday garnered mostly positive feedback from critics upon its release. It boasts an impressive 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, derived from 157 reviews, with an average score of 7 out of 10. The consensus on the site highlights the charm of Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan in Mark Waters' well-crafted remake of the 1976 classic. On Metacritic, the film achieved a score of 70 out of 100 from 36 critics, signifying "generally favorable reviews."
17. Freaky Friday Had An A- Cinemascore
Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore awarded the film a solid average grade of "A−" on a scale from A+ to F.
18. The Film Has Been Criticised For Its Portrayal of Asian Characters
Some critiques emerged, particularly from reviewers like Nick Schager of Slant Magazine and Ed Park of The Village Voice, who took issue with the portrayal of "Oriental mysticism" in the transformation scene, arguing it leaned on outdated stereotypes. Roger Ebert also pointed out the problematic trope of Asian characters providing "magic potions and ancient charms," noting its recurring nature in cinema.
19. 4.97 Million Freaky Friday DVDs Sold In One Month
Freaky Friday was made available on DVD and VHS by Walt Disney Home Entertainment on December 16, 2003. By the close of that month, the film had sold around 4.97 million copies, resulting in revenue exceeding $85.7 million. The movie was subsequently released on Blu-ray as a Disney Movie Club exclusive on March 27, 2018. Additionally, it became part of the streaming library on Disney+ when the service launched on November 12, 2019.
20. Lindsay Lohan’s Mother Makes An Appearance In Freaky Friday
Dina Lohan, Lindsay Lohan's mother, makes a brief appearance in the film's concluding scene, where Anna is seen dancing with Jake. In the background, she can be spotted dancing with an older man and even glances directly toward the camera.
21. Mark Waters’ Wife Makes A Cameo Appearance
Dina Spybey-Waters, who is married to director Mark Waters, makes a cameo as the television interviewer in the film.
22. Who Is Really Playing In The “House of Blues” Audition?
In the introduction of the House of Blues audition scene, viewers notice the backup guitarist wielding a black Stratocaster. While Tess, inhabiting Anna's body, is not actively playing, palm muting sounds can be heard. It appears that the backup guitarist is responsible for these sounds, but her hand is not positioned near the bridge or on the strings. Instead, she is simply strumming the guitar, while the palm muted notes are originally played by Anna. Except for the third close-up of the drummer during the House of Blues auditions, where he is seen mouthing words to Anna, the drum sounds you hear do not match his performance. For instance, cymbals are audible even though he never actually hits them. In that particular third shot, however, the audio and video seem to be in sync.
23. There Is A Hair Continuity Error
In the school scenes featuring Anna (actually Tess), there's a noticeable continuity error where her parting changes position, appearing and disappearing between different shots.
24. Mary Ellen Trainor Appears In A Guest Role
Mary Ellen Trainor, known for her guest role in the 1989 segment "And All Through the House," makes an appearance in this film as a character referred to as the 'Diary Reading Patient.'
25. Jared Padalecki Auditioned For Jake
Jared Padalecki attempted to secure the role of Jake by auditioning for the part.
26. Lindsay Lohan Confirmed The Sequel In 2003
In March 2024, Lindsay Lohan announced that a sequel to the 2003 movie Freaky Friday was officially underway. Shortly thereafter, The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Nisha Ganatra would direct the film, based on a script by Jordan Weiss. Filming is expected to commence in mid-2024 in Los Angeles, with a targeted release in 2025. Producers include Gunn and Kristin Burr. A casting call indicated that this new installment will feature Tess and Anna swapping bodies with two teenage girls - Anna's daughter and her future stepdaughter.
27. There Is A Veronica Mars Connection
Julie Gonzalo, who portrayed Stacey Hinkhouse, and Erica Gimpel, who played Harry's teacher, both appeared in the 2004 series Veronica Mars, with Gonzalo as Parker Lee and Gimpel as Alicia Fennell. However, it's interesting to note that they never shared the screen in the same episode.
28. Julie Gonzalo Has Also Played Jamie Lee Curtis’ Daughter
Julie Gonzalo, who portrays Anna's rival Stacey in Freaky Friday, would later take on the role of Jamie Lee Curtis' daughter in the 2004 film Christmas with the Kranks.
29. Kelly Osbourne Auditioned For Anna
Kelly Osbourne initially auditioned for the role of Anna, and was offered the role of Maddie but stepped down after her mother received a cancer diagnosis. As a result, Christina Vidal took over the part. In retrospect, she mentioned that many informed her that turning it down was one of the biggest mistakes of her career, especially considering the film's remarkable success.
30. Lindsay Lohan Has Been In Several Body Swap Movies
Lindsay Lohan has appeared in several films featuring concepts of "swapping." In Freaky Friday, she portrays a character who exchanges bodies with her mother. Similarly, in Just My Luck (2006), her character trades luck with a male counterpart. Additionally, in The Parent Trap (1998), Lohan plays both twin sisters who switch lives and impersonate each other.
31. Lorena Herrera, Jennifer Garner, and Reese Witherspoon Were Considered For Stacey
The role of Stacey Hinkhouse in the 2003 film Freaky Friday attracted interest from several notable actresses, including Lorena Herrera, Jennifer Garner, and Reese Witherspoon, all of whom were considered for the part.
32. Mark Harmon and Jamie Lee Curtis Reunited For NCIS
Mark Harmon and Jamie Lee Curtis reunited on screen eight years later in the ninth season of NCIS (2003), portraying lovers once again as Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and Dr. Samantha Ryan. Additionally, Julie Gonzalo made a guest appearance in “Hung Out to Dry” (2003), the second episode of the series, which was released shortly after the debut of this film.
33. Mark Waters Worked With Lindsay Lohan Again On Mean Girls
Mark Waters later collaborated with Lindsay Lohan once more in the 2004 film Mean Girls, which was released the year after Freaky Friday.
34. Lindsay Lohan Is Officially On The Freaky Friday Soundtrack
The film's orchestral score was composed by Rolfe Kent and arranged by Tony Blondal. Additionally, Lindsay Lohan contributed to the soundtrack with her recording of a song called "Ultimate."
25. Mary Rogers Considered This The Finest Adaptation Of Her Novel
Mary Rodgers regarded this adaptation as the finest interpretation of her novel, noting that it was the first instance where the characters felt authentic, even amidst the fantastical elements, and exhibited a sense of resilience rather than being merely whiny.
26. Michelle Trachtenberg Was Selected Originally For Anna
Michelle Trachtenberg was originally selected to play the role of Anna in Freaky Friday but had to drop out due to her commitments to the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997). Interestingly, this marked the second time Trachtenberg passed on a film that Lindsay Lohan ultimately starred in, the first being Lohan's debut in The Parent Trap (1998).
27. The Role Of Anna Was A Popular One To Audition For
Several well-known actresses, including Mischa Barton, Kristen Stewart, Mae Whitman, Evan Rachel Wood, Brie Larson, Emmy Rossum, Kristen Bell, Shiri Appleby, and Danielle Panabaker, all tried out for the part of Anna Coleman in the 2003 film Freaky Friday starring Lindsay Lohan.
28. Freaky Friday Is A Remake And So Is Its Music
Much like the film itself, which is a remake, the majority of the songs featured in "Freaky Friday" consist of covers and reimagined versions. This parallel between the music and the storyline highlights the film's fresh take on a classic concept.
29. Gwen Stefani Was Offered A Role In The Movie
Gwen Stefani, the lead singer of No Doubt, was presented with an opportunity to play a role as a member of the band in the film.
30. There Is A Cereal Continuity Error
In one scene Harry places the cereal box so that the front is facing him. However, in the following shot, the box is turned around, displaying the back instead.
31. Anna Swaps Her Nail Polish Colours Regularly
In the scene set at the Chinese restaurant, Anna is shown with nail polish, which is particularly evident when she opens her fortune cookie. However, when we see her in bed later that night, her nails are bare. Strangely, by the next morning, she's sporting nail polish once more, and it seems to be a different color from the one she had on during the dinner. So perhaps she was busy painting them regularly!
32. Andrew Gunn Wanted Jodie Foster To Return To Freaky Friday
Producer Andrew Gunn initially expressed a desire for Jodie Foster, who portrayed the daughter in the original 1976 film Freaky Friday, to return as the mother in the 2003 remake. However, Foster ultimately turned down the opportunity, citing concerns that her involvement might overshadow the film’s intrinsic value and merit.
33. Raven-Symoné, Naya Rivera, and Ashley Tisdale Auditioned For Anna’s Friends
Several actresses, including Raven-Symoné, Naya Rivera, Ashley Tisdale, Sophia Bush, and Kat Dennings, auditioned for the roles of Anna's two best friends, Maddie and Peg, in the 2003 film Freaky Friday featuring Lindsay Lohan.
34. There Is A ‘The Joy Luck Club’ Connection
Rosalind Chao, who plays Pei-Pei, and Lucille Soong, portraying Pei-Pei's mother, both appeared in The Joy Luck Club (1993). Interestingly, despite their roles in the same film, the two actresses did not share any scenes together.
35. Several Scenes Were Changed When Broadcast On ABC
In the 2008 airing of Freaky Friday on ABC, certain scenes were omitted, including Jake serenading Tess from outside her bedroom window with "Hit Me Baby" and Pei-Pei's mother trying to swap Harry with his grandfather. Instead, the ABC version wraps up with Tess and Anna dancing with their significant others before transitioning to Anna's performance during the end credits.
36. Spencer Breslin, Angus T. Jones, and Daryl Sabara Auditioned For Harry
Spencer Breslin, Angus T. Jones, and Daryl Sabara all tried out for the role of Harry.
37. The Door Does Not Disappear!
In the film, Tess takes the drastic step of removing Anna's bedroom door. The following morning, when Anna and Tess experience their remarkable body switch, they pause midway down the staircase. Behind them, Anna's door remains in place, prominently displaying the sign that reads "Parental Advisory: Stay Out of My Room!"
38. Freaky Friday Is Disney’s 189th Live Action Film
Freaky Friday is recognized as Disney's 189th live-action film. Released in 2003, this comedy showcases the unique bond between a mother and daughter as they unexpectedly switch bodies, leading to a series of humorous and eye-opening experiences that change their perspective on each other's lives.
39. The Credits Are Handwritten
The opening of the end credits features a style that resembles handwritten text.
40. Tess’ Book Has The Same Artwork As The Original Freaky Friday Novel
The design of Tess Coleman's book, titled "Through the Looking Glass," features the same artwork as the original Freaky Friday novel authored by Mary Rodgers.
41. Curse Words Were Taken Out “Take Me Away” For Disney
The song "Take Me Away," performed by the Australian girl group Lash, became popular prior to its inclusion in the film. However, when adapted for Freaky Friday, the lyrics were modified to align with Disney's family-friendly standards. Specifically, the original version contained the word "s**t" in the line 'same old... never ends,' which was replaced with "stuff" to meet the studio's guidelines.
42. There Is A ‘Toto’ Connection
In the movie, Jamie Lee Curtis performs with an Ernie Ball/MusicMan Steve Lukather Signature Model guitar, famously associated with the band Toto, during her offstage moments at the House of Blues.
43. The Movie Originally Had A “Nerdy” Mum and Daughter
In the original draft of the screenplay, Anna was depicted as a school newspaper contributor eager to interview Gwen Stefani at the House of Blues. However, director Mark Waters believed this concept would merely portray a simple switch between a "nerdy daughter and a nerdy mom." He proposed a more engaging dynamic centered around a rebellious daughter and her strict mother, a perspective that ultimately earned him the directing role.
44. The Ringtone Is A Street Fighter II Reference
In the 2003 film Freaky Friday, the ringtone that sounds on Jamie Lee Curtis' character's phone is a nostalgic nod to Capcom's classic video game Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (1991). This specific tune plays when players insert a credit into the arcade machine, adding a fun touch for fans of retro gaming.
45. Anna’s Ear Piercing Changes Places
In the film, Anna, who inhabits her mother Tess's body, has a newly acquired ear piercing that noticeably changes its position at various points during the story.
46. Anna’s School Is The Palisades Charter High School
The filming of the school scenes took place at Palisades Charter High School in California. Although the production team designated the school as "Sunset Ridge High School" for the movie, the gym scenes reveal the official Pali logo, a distinctive "P," prominently displayed at the center of the basketball court.
47. Lindsay Lohan’s Second Disney Remake
This film marks Lindsay Lohan's second appearance in a Disney remake, following her role in The Parent Trap (1998).
48. The Opening Credits Include Jamie Lee Curtis’ Daughter
The opening credits of the film feature a series of snapshots that showcase real-life mother-daughter moments between Jamie Lee Curtis and her daughter, Annie Guest.
49. There Are Several F.o.N Posters
In the garage, you'll spot several posters of F.o.N., the band featuring Danny Rubin as a member.
50. There Was A Punch Scene Cut From The Final Edit
In the original version of the film, a scene was intended where Tess Coleman, inhabiting Anna's body, would have punched Stacey Hinkhouse in her "new nose" as retaliation for a test-related prank. Although director Mark Waters filmed this moment, he ultimately cut it from the final edit, believing it to be too "harsh." Ironically, Waters permitted Stacey to hit Anna with a volleyball, shove Tess/Anna into a bike rack, and successfully accuse her of cheating during an exam - actions that could be considered even more severe than Tess/Anna's punch to Stacey.
51. The Lizzie McGuire Show Had A Freaky Friday Themed Episode
The 2002 episode titled "Those Freaky McGuires," part of the Lizzie McGuire series (which also hails from Disney), is seen as a fourth adaptation of Mary Rodgers' original story. During this time, Hilary Duff, the star of "McGuire," was in a rivalry with Lindsay Lohan, who ultimately secured the lead role in the 2003 movie "Freaky Friday." In response to not landing the part, Duff reportedly requested that her show incorporate a "Freaky" theme for an episode.
52. Tom Selleck Was Cast As Ryan
Tom Selleck was initially cast in the role of Ryan but withdrew from the project after Annette Bening decided to leave the film, as he had specifically wanted to collaborate with her.
53. There Were Two Different Endings
Two different endings were shot for the film. The first featured Harry and Grandpa opening their fortune cookies just as an earthquake strikes, causing both to shout out the word. The second, initial ending was meant to conclude with a fade to black as they cracked open their fortune cookies. However, director Mark Waters deemed it unamusing, leading to the final scene where Pei Pei tackles the two in an effort to snag the cookies from them.
54. You Can Tell The Background Isn’t Real In The Car Scene
In the scene where Anna inhabits Tess's body and Tess embodies Anna, there's a noticeable detail during their car ride. The view through the car window is clearly a backdrop, as the same sign repeatedly appears on "Anna's" side, revealing the illusion behind the driving sequence.
55. There Is A Subtle Hair Swap Moment
In a pivotal scene where Anna, now inhabiting her mother Tess's body, is awakened by Tess who is stuck in Anna's body, she instinctively reaches to style her hair. However, Anna continues to brush the ends of her short hair as if she were still Tess, instead of adapting to her new long locks. This humorous oversight highlights the challenges both characters face as they navigate their unexpected body swap.
56. Anna’s Highlights Are Not Consistent
In the scene where Anna (played by Lindsay Lohan) and Jake are conversing outside the house prior to heading to the wedding rehearsal, you can notice that the highlights in Anna's hair shift locations during their exchange.
57. There Is A Sock Continuity Error
In one scene, Anna (portrayed by Lindsay Lohan) attempts to wake up her mother Tess (played by Jamie Lee Curtis) upon discovering that they've swapped bodies. As she circles the bed to grab Tess's feet and tug them, she unexpectedly tumbles to the floor, revealing her bare foot. Interestingly, in a subsequent shot, her socks make an appearance! In the same scene, the turtle mysteriously disappears from the wall. Interestingly, the turtle reappears when they collide in a frantic effort to reverse the body-switching spell.
58. You Can See The Camera In Jake’s Helmet
When Anna finds herself in need of a ride home, she turns to Jake for help. As this interaction unfolds, the camera captures its reflection in Jake's helmet!
59. Anna’s Guitar Magically Appears
After Anna comes home from school on Thursday, she discovers Harry in her upstairs room, rhythmically drumming on her guitar with a pair of sticks. Annoyed, she pursues him downstairs, where she unexpectedly finds her guitar in the garage, seemingly having appeared out of nowhere.
60. 1984 Is Not An American Novel
In the film, when Anna turns in her essay on George Orwell's 1984, she mistakenly categorizes it as an American novel. In fact, it is a British work.
61. Jamie Lee Curtis Was Surprised Lohan Played Both Twins In The Parent Trap
When Jamie Lee Curtis learned that Lindsay Lohan, who was cast as her daughter, had previously starred in The Parent Trap (1998), she curiously inquired, "Which twin did she portray?" Little did she know that Lohan had actually played both roles in the film!
62. Ryan’s Arm Is Set Free
During a scene where Ryan is dropping Tess (Anna) off at work and leans in for a kiss, his tie is draped over his arm due to the seatbelt snagging it. However, in the following shot, the tie is suddenly hanging straight down.
63. Wait, Do Students Choose Their Own Seats?
In the film, when Tess, who is inhabiting Anna's body, attempts to converse with Stacey before class, their teacher Mrs. Brown announces, "Alright everyone, please take your seats for the test." Despite this, Stacey asks Anna, "Can you sit with me?" which raises a question, as students typically aren’t permitted to choose their own seats, particularly during a testing period.
64. Chad Michael Murray Was Chosen From His Audition With Lohan
Chad Michael Murray secured the role of Jake after impressing the casting team with his audition alongside Lindsay Lohan.
65. Rosaling Chao Was Inspired By Her Father
Rosalind Chao portrayed Pei-Pei, drawing inspiration from her father, who operated a Chinese restaurant in Orange County, California. In response to critiques regarding her use of a Chinese accent, she clarified that it was reflective of her father's authentic speech patterns.
66. Marc McClure Makes An Appearance
In a fun nod to the original 1976 film, Marc McClure makes a cameo appearance as Boris, the delivery man, portraying Annabel's love interest from the earlier version.
