This is just a thing Disney likes to do every 10 to 20 years. First, in 1976 we saw Freaky Friday debut on the screen with Barbara Harris & Jodie Foster. Then, in 1995 it was reimagined on ABC for a Disney Family Movie with Shelly Long & Gaby Hoffman. Finally, there's the most recent making it's return to the big screen 2003 with Jamie Lee Curtis & Lindsay Lohan. Now, after spending some time as a stage musical, Disney has announced they're bringing it back yet again as a Disney Channel Original movie in 2018. This will be based on the stage adaptation, which was based on the novel by Mary Rodgers along with the previous films. Freaky Friday will star Heidi Blickenstaff, who originated the role of Katherine in the musical, and Cozi Zuehlsdorf (Liv and Maddie) as Katherine’s daughter Ellie. Also included in the cast are newcomer Rickey He as Ellie’s friend Adam, Alex Désert (Let it Shine) as Katherine’s fiancé Mike, Jason Maybaum (Raven’s Home) as Ellie’s little brother, Fletcher, and Kahyun Kim (Austin & Ally) as Katherine’s high-strung business associate. In addition Dara R. Moss will play Savannah with Jennifer LaPorte as Monica, Isaiah Lehtinen as Karl, and Sarah Willey as Kitty. Directed by Steve Carr, also executive producer, with a teleplay written by Bridget Carpenter, who also wrote the book for the stage musical. They will be joined by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning composers Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal, If/Then), who wrote the music and lyrics for the stage version. Emmy nominee David Lawrence (Descendants, High School Musical) will compose the score. Susan Cartsonis (Deidra & Laney Rob a Train, What Women Want) and Thomas Schumacher, president and producer, Disney Theatrical Productions (The Lion King, Aladdin and Frozen opening on Broadway in spring 2018), are also executive producers. Two-time Tony nominee John Carrafa (Into the Woods) is the choreographer, and Perry Andelin Blake (Middle School – the Worst Years of My Life, The Wedding Singer) is the production designer. Academy Award winner Angus Strathie (Moulin Rouge) is the costume designer. That's a lot of award winners all jammed under one roof. I really enjoy Freaky Friday so I'm really hoping this is as good as it looks to be on paper. I sold the Curtis/ Lohan adaption in '03 short, & it blew me away. I love that movie!! So, the last thing I'm going to do is sell this thing short. This does seem like a lot of talent for a Disney Channel Original, but that's just how the pattern lies so far. They've done silver screen, then television, followed by silver screen. I can only guess 10-20 years after this iteration they'll release the next one to the big screens. Like I said though I won't sell this short, until they prove me otherwise I'm expecting this one to be good too. What do y'all think? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
