Tina Fey rules out further 'Mean Girls' sequels, confirms franchise closure
Synopsis
After two decades and four iterations — from the original 2004 film to the 2024 musical — Tina Fey has drawn a definitive line. No more 'Mean Girls.' The writer-star credits the franchise's staying power to the cast's refusal to caricature, even the villains. But with the story told across film, stage, and musical cinema, she's convinced the well has run dry.
Key Takeaways
Tina Fey confirmed there will be no further 'Mean Girls' iterations after the 2024 musical film.
The franchise spans 20 years , beginning with the original 2004 film written by Fey.
Fey co-created the 2018 stage musical with husband Jeff Richmond , which was adapted into a film in 2024 .
Tim Meadows reprised his role as Principal Duvall in the musical film, alongside Fey's Ms.
Fey attributes the franchise's longevity to casting choices that brought "3D humanity" to all characters, including antagonists.
Tina Fey, the writer and star of the original 2004 film, has definitively stated that no additional iterations of 'Mean Girls' are in development. The 55-year-old actress, who also co-created the 2018 stage musical adaptation with her husband Jeff Richmond — which was adapted into a film in 2024 — made the announcement while reflecting on the franchise's enduring cultural impact.
The Creative Vision Behind Mean Girls
Fey explained that across every version of the story, the creative team prioritised honouring the source material's sociological depth. "We always, in every iteration, tried to honour the source material, which is like a sociology book about how to help girls through relational aggression and behaviours like that," she said, according to People magazine. The franchise, she noted, uses the Plastics as a cautionary narrative rather than a model to emulate.
Why the Franchise Endures
Fey attributes the 'Mean Girls' franchise's longevity to the cast's commitment to bringing dimensional humanity to their characters. "I think that's what's made that movie so lasting," she told People. This approach — treating even antagonistic characters with psychological nuance — has allowed the story to resonate across three distinct mediums: film, stage, and musical cinema.
Returning for the Musical Film
Both Fey and her longtime collaborator Tim Meadows, who reprised his role as Principal Duvall, agreed to participate in the 2024 musical adaptation under one condition. "I called Tim and I was like, 'Will you do it? I'll do it if you do it'. And we said yes, as long as we don't have to sing," Fey recalled. The 65-year-old actor had previously reprised his role in 'Mean Girls 2', making his return to the franchise a natural fit.
On Working with Tim Meadows Again
Fey expressed genuine warmth about reuniting with Meadows on set. "It was fun. It's been nice to see Tim. One of us has aged, the other one of us is Tim Meadows! But it's been really nice to get to work with Tim again," she said with characteristic humour. The chemistry between the two performers, established over two decades, contributed to the musical film's cohesion.
What's Next
With Fey's explicit closure of the franchise, the 'Mean Girls' story concludes after four major iterations spanning 20 years. The decision signals a creative endpoint rather than a hiatus, positioning the 2024 musical film as the definitive final chapter.
Point of View
Rather than milk a cash cow, is a rare act of creative discipline in an industry that rarely knows when to stop.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Tina Fey confirmed there will be more 'Mean Girls' films?
No. Tina Fey has explicitly stated that no further iterations of 'Mean Girls' are in development. She said, 'I promise there are no more iterations coming,' marking the 2024 musical film as the franchise's definitive endpoint.
How many 'Mean Girls' projects has Tina Fey been involved in?
Fey wrote the original 2004 film, co-created the 2018 stage musical with her husband Jeff Richmond, and reprised her role as Ms. Norbury in the 2024 musical film adaptation. She has been central to all four major iterations of the franchise.
Why did Tina Fey and Tim Meadows agree to return for the 2024 musical?
Both actors agreed to participate in the 2024 musical film on the condition that they would not have to sing. Fey explained that teachers work for a long time, so it made sense for the characters to return, and she and Meadows had an established working relationship from earlier films.
What does Tina Fey say makes 'Mean Girls' endure?
Fey credits the franchise's longevity to the cast bringing '3D humanity' to all characters, even the antagonists. She believes this dimensional approach to character development, rather than caricature, is what has made the story resonate across audiences and mediums over 20 years.
