Julia Butters Joins Freaky Friday 2 at Disney
Julia Butters, the young actress who made a splash in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” is set to join the cast of Disney’s “Freaky Friday” sequel. Sources close to the project have confirmed this exciting development to Variety. The sequel, which was officially announced in March, will be directed by Nisha Ganatra, known for her work on Hulu’s “Welcome to Chippendales” and the 2020 film “The High Note.”
Ganatra’s involvement adds a fresh perspective to the project, which has been eagerly anticipated by fans of the original 2003 film. Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, who starred in the first movie, are reportedly in talks to reprise their iconic roles. This news has generated significant buzz, as both actresses have expressed a strong desire to return to the franchise over the years.
Curtis and Lohan have been vocal about their enthusiasm for a sequel. In March, Curtis posted a photo with Lohan on Instagram, tagging Disney and captioning it, “DUH! FFDEUX!” This playful post fueled speculation and excitement among fans, who have long hoped for a follow-up to the beloved body-swapping comedy.
The original “Freaky Friday” film, released in 2003, followed the story of Tess Coleman (Curtis), a single mother and uptight psychiatrist, and her rebellious teenage daughter, Anna (Lohan). After a mystical fortune cookie causes them to swap bodies, they must navigate each other’s lives and learn to understand one another. The film was a remake of the 1976 movie starring Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster, which was based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers.
Julia Butters’ role in the sequel has not yet been disclosed, and plot details remain under wraps. However, her addition to the cast is sure to bring a new dynamic to the story. Butters has previously impressed audiences with her performances in “The Gray Man,” “The Fabelmans,” and the comedy series “I Think You Should Leave.”
Andrew Gunn, who produced the original film, is returning to produce the sequel alongside former Disney executive Kristin Burr. The production team is keeping a tight lid on further details, including whether the film will be released in theaters or on a streaming platform. Disney has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The script for the sequel has been penned by Jordan Weiss, adding another layer of anticipation for fans. The original film, directed by Mark Waters and written by Heather Hach and Leslie Dixon, was a commercial success, grossing $160.8 million worldwide and earning positive reviews from critics. It has since become a cult classic, cherished by audiences for its humor and heartwarming message.
The news of Butters joining the cast was first reported by The InSneider, and it has since been confirmed by multiple sources. While Disney has not officially announced the full cast, the involvement of Curtis and Lohan is highly anticipated. Their return would undoubtedly bring a sense of nostalgia and continuity to the sequel.
For years, Curtis and Lohan have expressed their desire to revisit their roles. In a 2023 interview with the New York Times, Lohan stated, “We would only make something that people would absolutely adore.” This sentiment has resonated with fans, who are eager to see how the story of Tess and Anna continues.
The original “Freaky Friday” film was praised for its clever humor and the chemistry between Curtis and Lohan. The body-swap premise allowed for hilarious situations and heartfelt moments, as the characters learned to appreciate each other’s perspectives. The sequel promises to build on this foundation, potentially introducing new characters and challenges.
Julia Butters’ involvement adds a fresh face to the mix, and her previous work suggests she will bring depth and charm to her role. As the project moves forward, fans will be eagerly awaiting more details about the plot and cast.
The anticipation for “Freaky Friday 2” is palpable, and the addition of Julia Butters only heightens the excitement. With Nisha Ganatra at the helm and the potential return of Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, the sequel is shaping up to be a must-watch for fans of the original film and newcomers alike.
