The highly anticipated remake of “Mean Girls” is making waves with its updated cast and revamped storylines. Bringing back the iconic tale of “the plastics,” this remake adds a new layer of diversity and inclusivity to the beloved high school drama.
Embracing Diversity
One notable change in the cast is Auli’i Cravalho, known for her role in “Moana,” who portrays Janis, a school outcast who befriends new girl Cady as they navigate the complicated social hierarchy of North Shore High. In the original film, Janis’ sexuality was never explicitly addressed, but rumors suggested she was a lesbian. However, in the remake, Janis is portrayed as a “loud and proud” lesbian, giving her character new depth and authenticity.
Embracing Identity
Cravalho’s own native Hawaiian background is also incorporated into the film. Janis’ last name is changed from Ian to ‘Imi’ike to align with Cravalho’s Hawaiian heritage. This attention to detail adds richness and cultural significance to the character’s identity.
Image: Avantika as Karen Shetty, Renee Rapp as Regina George, Bebe Wood as Gretchen Wieners, and Angourie Rice as Cady Heron in “Mean Girls.” (Image source: Jojo Whilden / Paramount Pictures)
Reclaiming the Narrative
The remake aims to rectify the previous misuse of the term “lesbian” as a slur. Cravalho expressed the importance of reclaiming this term by portraying Janis as a confident and openly lesbian character. By doing so, the film challenges stereotypes and promotes a more positive representation of LGBTQ+ identities.
More Queer Storylines
Janis’ friendship breakup with Regina is centered around Janis’ sexuality. Regina mocks Janis by using a pride pin, gifted to her by Janis as a symbol of her coming out, as a means of humiliation. The nickname “pyro-les” is born from Janis’ fierce reaction to this act, showcasing the impact of LGBTQ+ issues on adolescent friendships.
While Regina’s sexual orientation remains open to interpretation, actress Renée Rapp, who identifies as queer herself, believes her character is a lesbian. This dynamic adds complexity to the interactions between Regina and Janis, leaving room for speculation and excitement among fans.
Image: Jaquel Spivey as Damian, Angourie Rice as Cady, and Auli’i Cravalho as Janis in “Mean Girls.” (Image source: Jojo Whilden / Paramount Pictures)
Pioneering Representation
Another significant queer character in the film is Damian, portrayed by Jaquel Spivey. Damian has been an iconic character in both versions of “Mean Girls” and serves as a positive representation of plus-size queer individuals. Spivey, a Black actor, acknowledges the importance of playing such a groundbreaking role for someone like himself.
Embracing Change
The remake also features other fresh faces, including Avantika Vandanapu, a South Asian actor who takes on the role of Karen, originally played by Amanda Seyfried. Additionally, the beloved character Kevin Gnapoor makes a return, this time portrayed by Mahi Alam.
The “Mean Girls” remake brings much-needed clarity and inclusivity to the queer storylines that were previously muddled in the original film. By embracing diverse characters and adding depth to their identities, the remake enlightens and entertains audiences with a fresh perspective.
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