Freakier Friday is Actually the FIFTH Freaky Friday Movie -- Here's Why!
With Freakier Friday exploding into theaters on August 8, 2025, fans of body-swap chaos are in for a treat. This sequel to the 2003 hit reunites Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan as Tess and Anna Coleman, now navigating multigenerational swaps involving Anna's daughter and her fiancé's mom. Directed by Nisha Ganatra, it's a hilarious escalation of the classic premise, blending nostalgia with fresh family drama.
But hold on—did you know this isn't just Freaky Friday 2? It's actually the fifth official Freaky Friday movie adaptation from Disney, part of a sprawling franchise rooted in a 1972 novel. Let's dive into the full history, from remakes to TV spins, and why Disney keeps swapping back to this formula.
Here’s the TL;DR…
Freakier Friday (2025) is the fifth Freaky Friday film adaptation, following versions in 1976, 1995, 2003, and 2018.
Originating from Mary Rodgers' 1972 novel, the franchise includes theatrical films, TV movies, a stage musical, and book sequels with similar themes.
Disney has produced all adaptations, tapping into body-swap humor for family entertainment.
Honorable mentions include other Disney body-swap stories like The Swap (2016) and episodes from shows such as The Owl House and Wizards of Waverly Place.
The Origins: Mary Rodgers' Freaky Friday Novel
The body-swap madness all started with Mary Rodgers' 1972 children's novel Freaky Friday. The book follows 13-year-old Annabel Andrews, who wakes up in her mother's body after wishing for a day in her mom's shoes. Through hilarious mishaps—like dealing with school bullies and household chaos—Annabel gains empathy for her mother's life, exploring themes of understanding and family bonds.
The novel was a hit, selling millions and inspiring Disney to adapt it almost immediately. Rodgers later penned sequels: A Billion for Boris (1974), Summer Switch (1982), and Freaky Monday (2009, co-written with Heather Hach).
The First Swap: Freaky Friday (1976)
Disney’s inaugural adaptation hit theaters in December 1976, directed by Gary Nelson with a screenplay by Rodgers. Starring Barbara Harris and Jodie Foster, the film stayed faithful to the book and grossed about $36 million.
The TV Remake: Freaky Friday (1995)
In May 1995, Disney aired a made-for-TV version on ABC’s The Wonderful World of Disney, starring Shelley Long and Gaby Hoffmann. Updated with 90s details, it reached millions through TV rather than theaters.
The Iconic 2000s Update: Freaky Friday (2003)
Released in August 2003, this remake was directed by Mark Waters and starred Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan. A box office hit with over $160 million worldwide, it became the most popular version.
The Musical Twist: Freaky Friday (2016 Stage) and (2018 TV Movie)
Disney adapted the story into a stage musical in 2016, followed by a Disney Channel TV movie in 2018 starring Heidi Blickenstaff and Cozi Zuehlsdorff.
The Sequel at Last: Freakier Friday (2025)
Twenty-two years after the 2003 hit, Freakier Friday arrives as the fifth film in the franchise, with Curtis and Lohan reprising their roles alongside Sophia Hammons and Manny Jacinto.
Spinoffs and Related Works
Beyond the main films, there are spinoffs like Summer Switch (1984) and A Billion for Boris (1984 TV movie).
Honorable Mentions: Disney's Other Body-Swap Adventures
Notable swaps include episodes from Wizards of Waverly Place, The Owl House, Jessie, and films like The Swap (2016) and Wish Upon a Star (1996).
How many Freaky Friday movies are there?
Five official films: 1976, 1995 (TV), 2003, 2018 (TV musical), and 2025’s Freakier Friday.
Is Freakier Friday a remake or sequel?
A sequel to the 2003 version.
What other Disney shows have body-swap episodes?
Examples include Wizards of Waverly Place, The Owl House, and Lilo & Stitch: The Series.
Has Freaky Friday been adapted into a musical?
Yes, in 2016, with a 2018 TV movie adaptation.
Sources
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News compiled and edited by Ivy Adams for Pirates & Princesses.