Talks to get the major female stars of “Mean Girls” – namely actors Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Seyfried and Lacey Chabert – back for the upcoming film have reportedly stalled according to Page Six.
Following in the path of “The Producers” and “Hairspray,” Paramount is set to produce a new screen adaptation of the Broadway stage musical version adaptation of the 2004 film “Mean Girls” for the Paramount+ streaming service.
The musical, like the film, follows teenager Cady Heron who moves from Africa with her scientist parents to the suburbs of Illinois where she gets swept up in the dynamics of her new high school’s social hierarchy.
The stars of the original 2004 film have remained friends throughout the years and were willing to return for the new film, but a source tells the outlet that discussions have broken down over pay:
“Paramount Pictures doesn’t want to pay the girls what they are worth. All four girls were willing to come back, but Paramount has not been respectful of what they are worth… As of now, the negotiations are stalled.”
Tina Fey, who wrote both the movie and musical, is reprising her role as math teacher Ms. Norbury and reportedly has a seven-figure deal for her acting role. She’s also writing and producing the movie.
Lohan & Co. were said to be offered a ‘fraction’ of Fey’s pay. The foursome would not be playing their original characters, but it’s not clear what roles they would play and how big those roles are.
Angourie Rice, Auli’i Cravalho, Jaquel Spivey and Renee Rapp will take on the four lead roles of this adaptation. Production on the new “Mean Girls” will begin on March 6th.
