Reneé Rapp, Auli'i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey Steal Show in Mean

Directed by Casey Nicholaw, the stage adaptation of Tina Fey’s 2004 comedy opened at the August Wilson Theatre April 8, 2018 and played 21 previews, 801 performances, earned 12 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical prior to a COVID-19 pandemic shut down resulting in its final performance on March 11, 2020.

Originally adapted by Tina Fey from Rosalind Wiseman’s Queen Bees and Wannabes, Regina was originally cemented into celluloid history by Lindsay Lohan in the now iconic 2004 version (which also starred Rachel McAdams). Then, After living in Africa with her zoologist parents, Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) must brave the wilds of high school where she is taken under the wing of the popular girls, The Plastics, led by the cool and cruel Regina George (Rachel McAdams). What follows is a treasure trove of sharp, witty humor that defined a generation and inspired countless catchphrases.

Today, in a 2024 twist on the modern classic, new student Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is welcomed into the top of the social food chain by the elite group of popular girls called “The Plastics,” ruled by the conniving queen bee Regina George (Reneé Rapp). However, when Cady makes the major misstep of falling for Regina’s ex-boyfriend Aaron Samuels (Christopher Briney), she finds herself prey in Regina’s crosshairs. Meanwhile, Cady sets to take down the group’s apex predator with the help of her outcast friends Janis (Auli’i Cravalho) and Damian (Jaquel Spivey), she must learn how to stay true to herself while navigating the most cutthroat jungle of all – high school.

After the opening number, the film struggles with pacing and is tons of fun, but simply not as impactful as the original film and musical adaptations. Having said that Reneé Rapp’s role seems to be immensely diminished in this version, which is a shame, as her presence alone helps cement the mood of the film. However, all is not lost because Cavalho and Spivey save the day stealing virtually every bit of screen time they inhabit. Revisiting the good, the bad and the ugly of high school life is always a little awkward, but Fey made it fun and quirky whilst inserting herself into the narrative as that one teacher everyone loves – most of the time.

In honor of the 2004 version 20th Anniversary, Paramount Pictures releases it on 4K Ultra HD for the first time on April 30th. This special anniversary release comes in a collectible hot pink case with a limited-edition o-sleeve featuring the infamous Burn Book, includes a brand-new featurette entitled “Mean Girls: Class of ‘04”, as well as, access to a Digital copy of the film. New and legacy bonus content include:

Mean Girls: Class of ’04—Tina Fey and cast from the new movie look back at the original film and discuss why it became a cult classic.
Commentary by director Mark Waters, screenwriter and actress Tina Fey, and producer Lorne Michaels
Only the Strong Survive
The Politics of Girl World
Plastic Fashion
Word Vomit (Blooper Reel)
So Fetch – Deleted Scenes with optional commentary by director Mark Waters and screenwriter and actress Tina Fey
Interstitials
Theatrical Trailer