Freaky Friday 2: Lindsay Lohan and Chad Michael Murray Eye Comeback in Disney’s Anticipated Sequel

Disney’s highly awaited sequel to the 2003 hit, Freaky Friday, titled Freakier Friday, could offer a much-needed career boost for stars Lindsay Lohan and Chad Michael Murray.

After their mixed receptions in 2024 Netflix projects, the sequel presents an opportunity to recapture the charm and critical acclaim that defined their early 2000s careers.

With Disney investing in a theatrical release, Freakier Friday is positioned as one of the studio’s major films for 2025.

Chad Michael Murray’s Challenging Year in Netflix Rom-Coms

Chad Michael Murray, known for his leading-man roles in romantic comedies like A Cinderella Story and Freaky Friday, faced a challenging year in 2024.

His two Netflix outings, Mother of the Bride and The Merry Gentlemen, failed to make an impact with critics or audiences.

• Mother of the Bride (Released May 9, 2024): Billed as a heartfelt rom-com, the film fell flat, earning only 13% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 17% audience score. Critics panned its lack of originality and chemistry between the cast.
• The Merry Gentlemen (Released November 20, 2024): This holiday-themed movie performed slightly better, but its 30% Tomatometer score and lukewarm audience reception (31%) highlighted Murray’s struggle to connect with viewers in the rom-com genre.

For an actor whose career once soared on the success of romantic comedies, the lackluster reception of these films underscores the importance of a strong showing in Freakier Friday.

Murray’s return as Jake, the charming love interest from the original Freaky Friday, could reignite the charisma and appeal that defined his early career.

Lindsay Lohan’s Netflix Comeback Faces Mixed Reviews

Lindsay Lohan also embarked on a busy year in 2024, starring in two Netflix films: Irish Wish and Our Little Secret.

While fans celebrated her continued presence on screen, both films struggled to garner critical acclaim.

• Irish Wish (Released March 15, 2024): A whimsical romantic comedy set in Ireland, the movie scored 42% on Rotten Tomatoes. While it showcased Lohan’s comedic timing, critics noted the predictable storyline as a major flaw.
• Our Little Secret (Released November 27, 2024): This holiday romantic comedy, directed by Stephen Herek, featured Lohan as Avery, a woman navigating awkward holiday encounters with her ex-boyfriend and current partner’s family. Early reactions were mixed, with fans appreciating Lohan’s charm but critics calling the plot formulaic. Rotten Tomatoes scores for the film are yet to be finalized, but initial audience reviews suggest it may fare better than Irish Wish.

Lohan’s enduring popularity with her fan base has kept her relevant, but Freakier Friday offers a chance to not only revisit one of her most iconic roles but also remind audiences of her range and appeal as an actress.

Why Freaky Friday 2 Could Be a Game-Changer

Disney’s decision to release Freakier Friday in theaters rather than opting for a streaming debut reflects the studio’s confidence in the project.

The original Freaky Friday grossed over $160 million at the global box office against a modest $26 million budget and earned a stellar 88% on Rotten Tomatoes.

It became a beloved family classic, thanks to its humor, heartwarming narrative, and the standout performances of Lohan, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Murray.

The sequel reunites the original cast, including Curtis, who played Tess Coleman, and Lohan as her daughter Anna. With Murray confirmed to reprise his role as Jake, fans can expect nostalgic nods to the original film alongside fresh dynamics.

Legacy sequels have seen mixed results in Hollywood, but Freakier Friday has several factors working in its favor:

• The enduring popularity of the original film ensures a built-in fan base.
• Lohan and Murray’s reunion promises to draw attention from audiences who grew up watching their early 2000s hits.
• Disney’s investment in a theatrical release signals confidence in the film’s commercial and critical prospects.

If successful, Freakier Friday could help both Lohan and Murray reclaim their places as rom-com royalty.

High Stakes for Murray and Lohan’s Careers

For Murray, Freakier Friday offers an opportunity to bounce back from the missteps of Mother of the Bride and The Merry Gentlemen.

Reprising the role of Jake could remind audiences of the charisma that made him a household name during his One Tree Hill and early rom-com days.

For Lohan, the sequel aligns with her career resurgence after taking a hiatus from acting. While her Netflix films in 2024 didn’t achieve critical acclaim, her fanbase remains loyal, and Freakier Friday allows her to showcase her comedic talent and on-screen chemistry with Curtis and Murray.

A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Take on a Beloved Classic

While many legacy sequels struggle to live up to their predecessors, Freakier Friday has the potential to be a rare success.

With its mix of nostalgic callbacks and new storylines, the film could strike a balance that appeals to both long-time fans and a younger audience.

For Disney, it represents a strategic move to revive beloved IP, and for Murray and Lohan, it offers a shot at redemption in the rom-com genre.