Mean Girls Musical: Revisiting the Cult Classic for Gen Z

Twenty years after its original release, Mean Girls is making a comeback in the form of a musical. Tina Fey, the creator of the hit film, has put a “new twist” on her 2004 masterpiece by adapting it for the screen. However, the new trailer has sparked mixed reactions from fans, particularly among millennials who watched the original movie in their youth. While the original Mean Girls continues to have a lasting impact on pop culture, some question whether a modern take on the film will resonate with Gen Z viewers. This article explores the significance of Mean Girls as a time capsule of the noughties and examines the challenges of updating it for a new generation. With themes of diet culture, slut-shaming, and female stereotypes, the original movie may not align with today’s social values. Additionally, recent high school stories have offered fresh perspectives on teenage cliques, challenging the traditional Mean Girls narrative. While there is excitement about the new adaptation, some argue that Mean Girls belongs to the past and should be left there. Is the Mean Girls musical a fetching revival or a flawed attempt to bring the cult classic into modern times?