Before becoming the unforgettable Regina George, Rachel McAdams initially tried out for the part of Cady Heron, famously played by Lindsay Lohan, in the 2004 comedy Mean Girls. The 47-year-old actress revealed in a recent People magazine interview that early in her career, at age 25, she auditioned for Lohan’s character but did not expect to be cast. Meanwhile, Lohan herself was just 17 at the time.
McAdams’ Desire to Be Part of Tina Fey’s Script
McAdams admitted she thought her chances of landing the role of Cady were slim but liked the experience. She expressed a strong admiration for Tina Fey’s sharp screenplay and was eager to be involved in any capacity.
“I remember thinking, ‘This is a futile exercise. I will never be hired for Cady,’”
she said, adding that she
“kind of went in and had fun.”
Her enthusiasm was clear:
“I loved the script so much. I remember closing that script and calling up my manager and saying, ‘Please, even just playing a character that has one line I would take,’”
McAdams shared.
Director’s Decision and Breakout Success
Ultimately, director Mark Waters saw McAdams as a better fit for Regina George. He told her,
“You’re too old to play Cady, but you’re just right for Regina.”
When the film premiered in April 2004, McAdams’ portrayal of Regina instantly resonated with audiences and became one of the movie’s defining characters.
Reflecting on the experience, McAdams said,
“Playing the villain is the best.”
Just a few months later, her career soared with the release of The Notebook, marking two significant breakthroughs in a short period.
Gratitude and Lasting Impact
More than two decades and numerous acclaimed roles later, McAdams remains thankful for the opportunity that Mean Girls gave her.
“I feel really lucky to still be here. I’m still pinching myself,”
she expressed, showing sincere appreciation for her enduring career.
