Oscar-Winning Actress Refuses to Return for ‘Freaky Friday’ Sequel

It’s a movie moment that remains etched in the minds of fans: the 2003 remake of Freaky Friday, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan, became an instant classic. This remake of the beloved 1976 film offered a new take on the age-old “parent and child switch” storyline, with a modern twist that resonated with audiences of all ages. Since its release, Freaky Friday has been a fan favorite, keeping its place as a light-hearted, memorable film.

Related: Disney Star Ready for ‘Carousel of Progress’ Movie

Fans have long been waiting for news about a potential sequel, and it seemed like the perfect time to bring back the beloved characters of Tess and Anna Coleman.

Thankfully, both Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan were eager to return, and filming for the sequel, Freakier Friday, was soon underway.

However, there’s one notable absence from the film—Jodie Foster, who played Annabel in the original 1976 version of Freaky Friday, has refused to return for a cameo in the new film, much to the disappointment of many fans.

Related: Fans Can’t Believe the Jaw-Dropping Cameo in the New ‘Freakier Friday’ Trailer!

The Sequel Everyone Was Waiting For

When Freaky Friday first hit theaters in 2003, it became a massive success, grossing more than $160 million at the box office on a budget of just $26 million. The film’s enduring popularity led to many fans hoping for a sequel. Jamie Lee Curtis, in particular, had been vocal about her desire for one.

In fact, Curtis had been repeatedly asked by the press about the possibility of a Freaky Friday sequel, which eventually led her to take matters into her own hands.

Curtis, eager to revisit the iconic roles of Tess and Anna, reached out directly to Disney CEO Bob Iger. It didn’t take long for Iger to get on board, and just about a year after that phone call, Freakier Friday was officially in the works.

Fans were thrilled that both Curtis and Lohan were set to return, continuing their story in this fun and heartwarming sequel.

A Missed Opportunity: Jodie Foster’s Decline

While the return of Curtis and Lohan was cause for celebration, one key player from the original film was notably absent. Jodie Foster, who played Annabel in the 1976 Freaky Friday, was asked to make a cameo appearance in the sequel.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director Nisha Ganatra revealed that they had made numerous attempts to convince Foster to reprise her role, but unfortunately, she declined.

“We begged her. She’s not going to do it,” Ganatra says of Foster.

The filmmaker explains that she “never found out why” Foster declined to star in the movie, but does reveal some ideas on how the Oscar-winning actress would have appeared in the movie if she had agreed.

“I think we were going to make her the principal at the school,” Ganatra recalls, adding that there was also talk of replacing Anna’s troublesome teacher, Mr. Bates, with Foster “when we didn’t know if [actor Stephen Tobolowsky] would come back.”

Ganatra continues: “Honestly, we tried everything. We were like, ‘What about this?'” Still, Foster turned the part down.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About ‘Freakier Friday’ Release and Cast

Honoring the Past

Even though Foster will not be making a cameo in Freakier Friday, director Ganatra still found a way to honor her legacy. In the sequel, Anna’s (Lohan) daughter, Harper, will have “fun, amused, cool” vibes that reflect the spirit of Foster’s Annabel from the 1976 film. This subtle nod to the original film will surely please long-time fans who were hoping for some connection between the two versions of Freaky Friday.

In addition to Curtis and Lohan, several other actors from the 2003 film are returning. Chad Michael Murray will reprise his role as Anna’s love interest, Jake, while Mark Harmon returns as Ryan, Tess’s boyfriend. Christina Vidal and Haley Hudson will also return as Anna’s high school bandmates, Maddie and Peg.

Freakier Friday will hit theaters nationwide on August 8.

What do you think about Jodie Foster’s refusal to return for Freakier Friday? Are you excited to see the sequel with Curtis and Lohan back in action, or do you feel the absence of the original cast member will be noticeable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about the much-anticipated sequel!