As a South African Gen Z, most of what I think is the “original” version of some media is actually the remake – especially when it comes to American media. So, imagine my surprise when I was getting ready to write about how wrong Disney is for its thousands of remakes from the last 5 years when I realised that the 2003 version of Freaky Friday is in fact, a remake! It turns out that one of my favourite childhood films is a remake of a movie that Disney first released in 1976. Of course, this changed my whole perception. I mean, if Lilo’s Freaky Friday is a remake, then maybe they aren’t all so bad…
Hollywood has a long-standing love affair with sequels, reboots, and remakes. The recent announcement of Freakier Friday, a follow-up to Disney’s Freaky Friday (2003) and its 1976 original, has reignited the debate: Is this a fun revival of a beloved story, or just another recycled idea in an industry obsessed with selling nostalgia?
The Appeal of Revisiting Classics
The charm of Freaky Friday is undeniable. The body-swap premise—whether between Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan or the original duo of Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster—offers humour, heart, and a relatable exploration of generational differences. Who doesn’t like a family-friendly story with a takeaway lesson? A modern take could bring fresh perspectives, updated humour, and new cultural dynamics.
With the announcement of Curtis and Lohan returning, Freakier Friday has the potential to be a rare legacy sequel done right, much like Creed or Top Gun: Maverick, by adding something new while still honouring the original. If executed well, it could resonate with both older fans and a new audience.
Hollywood’s Sequel Problem
The aforementioned “older fans” are the main target that Hollywood over-relies on. Studios see familiar IPs (in the form of sequels and reboots) as safe bets in an unpredictable market, leading to endless rehashes that often lack originality. Even when successful, these films contribute to an industry-wide creativity drought.
Disney, in particular, has leaned heavily into remakes (The Lion King, Aladdin) and sequels (Frozen 2, Toy Story 4), with diminishing returns. While some revivals work (Dune: Part Two), many feel like cash grabs (The Exorcist: Believer). The question is: Does Freakier Friday exist because the story demands it, or because Disney needs another recognizable title to boost streaming numbers?
When Sequels Work (And when they don’t)
The best sequels expand on the original’s themes rather than just rehashing them. Freaky Friday’s core message—understanding someone by walking in their shoes—could be deepened in a sequel.
The teaser shows that this time, the body swap spans multiple generations. Anna Coleman (played by Lindsay Lohan) is now a mother of two daughters, who together with Grandma Tess, (Jamie Lee Curtis) have new lessons to learn. So far, this new dynamic is enough to make Freakier Friday more justifiable than the 2018 remake.
That rendition failed to warrant its existence because it didn’t innovate enough. It just repeats the same beats with minor tweaks, making it completely redundant. Neither does it make use of the opportunity to explore modern issues like the struggles with social media and mental health. Hollywood must ask: Is this story worth revisiting, or are we just banking on nostalgia?
The Verdict: Fun Revival or Recycled Idea?
In the comment sections of the official teasers on YouTube, people write about being excited to see Lilo looking good and back on the big screen. On the other hand, not much hope is expressed for the storyline. Adding more people to the mix of the magic won’t be enough if it is just a gimmick. If Freakier Friday is just another lazy rehash, it’ll join the pile of unnecessary sequels clogging up theatres and streaming services.