The “queen bee” Regina George is one such name that has not only echoed through the halls of North Shore High School but resonated with millions of fans since her character was introduced to the world two decades ago in the iconic 2004 teen comedy film “Mean Girls,” directed by Mark Waters. Due to this, it’s not surprising that there is an uproar on social media by the fans to know the exact reason why one of the most iconic characters of Rachel McAdams was absent in the newly released Walmart Black Friday advertisement.
While her co-stars Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Seyfried, and Lacey Chabert were ready to unleash their inner Plastics in the commercial that dropped this Wednesday, new reports from Page Six confirmed the exact reason why The Notebook star, 44, was absent from the reunion, quote, “Rachel McAdams didn’t want to do it.” The source added, “They were all offered it. But the three of them loved being together for their reunion. They had a great time talking about being moms, and it was definitely a loss not having Rachel there.”
The Black Friday ad was released ahead of the holiday season as it showcased the stars reuniting for an iconic new jingle bell rockin’ time, and the tribute is full of references from their hit film.
It pays homage to the blockbuster flick while bringing three of the four leading ladies together on screen for the first time since the movie’s 2004 release. There are a few other standout stars who make cameos, including “Mean Girls” alums Daniel Franzese and Rajiv Surendra and even Missy Elliott. In a seemingly “where are they now” moment, Lindsay plays the school’s guidance counselor, while Lacey’s character, Gretchen, continues to try and keep her memorable phrase alive through her daughter as Amanda revisits her role’s career dreams in the hilarious and nostalgic spot.
In a voiceover, Lohan was heard spoofing the actual dialogue from the movie. “Some things never change. On Wednesdays we wear pink, but now we shop for Walmart Black Friday deals.”
From Girl World to Deal World, Wednesdays are where it's at…& we'll (obvi) be the ones wearing pink. #BlackFridayDeals drop next week. https://t.co/l3Cr32GSrG pic.twitter.com/aoVaNZtnK2
— Walmart (@Walmart) November 1, 2023
After the ad went viral, many fans were quick to share their thoughts on the internet, with one user commenting on X (formerly known as Twitter), “Rachel McAdams getting more press for her declination of the commercial than the ACTUAL commercial is even better than the idea itself. this is Mean Girls cinema if you’re paying attention.” Another one commented, “Now how does a Mean Girls Walmart commercial look better than the musical they’re putting out??? A budget! A wardrobe stylist! A cast! Everyone looks so good! Rachel McAdams said um chile anyways.”
In one of her past interviews with the New York Times, McAdams reflected on the character of Regina by stating, “Does Regina George haunt me every day? She does have that quality.” She then gave recognition to the character in terms of her successful career. “No, I have to thank Regina George for giving me some longevity. I’m forever grateful to Tina Fey [the screenwriter] and Mark Waters [the director].” The star also revealed, “I remember when I read it, I called my agent right away and said, ‘I will play any part in this, please, please, please.'”
“I was at the beginning of my career, and it was a lofty thing out there, that I really, really, really wanted to do it,” Rachel counted.
On the other hand, Lindsay Lohan talked to People about the reunion and stated, “It was so nice being back together after all these years. It was great catching up with everyone.” Lacey Chabert also expressed the same thoughts, “It was wonderful to spend the day with Amanda and Lindsay and it was so much fun getting to reminisce and be together again.” Daniel Franzese, who played Damien, added, “It was great working with old friends again for this new Walmart commercial. Being reunited around this campaign feels really special.'”
“What better time to get together than right before the holidays. I know we are excited for everyone to see what we’ve all been up to,” he continued. “Walmart made it so special by allowing us to have fun together while getting to do a new project that spreads excitement. There’s something here for everyone (except for Gretchen Wieners),” he added.