Paramount’s Mean Girls musical is proving to be more than just fetch, surpassing the $100 million mark at the global box office. The oh-so-pink movie musical has dazzled audiences worldwide, raking in $101.2 million in just six weeks since its release.
The Broadway-inspired adaptation of the 2004 comedy classic, originally intended for a streaming debut on Paramount+, opted for a theatrical release after enthusiastic test screenings. The decision proved fruitful, with the musical film achieving significant success on a modest budget of $36 million.
Mean Girls dominated the domestic box office, claiming the No. 1 spot for three consecutive weeks since its January 12 release. It also secured top openings in the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and Mexico. The film’s global reach expanded with its release in Thailand on February 15, and it’s set to open in Singapore and India later this month.
Starring Angourie Rice as Cady Heron and featuring Reneé Rapp reprising her Broadway role as Regina George, the film balances an ensemble cast with Christopher Briney, Bebe Wood, Avantika, Jaquel Spivey, Auli’i Cravalho, and original stars Tim Meadows and Tina Fey.
Directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr., Mean Girls navigates the social intricacies of high school through its witty narrative and catchy musical numbers.
Paramount’s president of global marketing and distribution, Marc Weinstock, shared insights into the studio’s strategic approach to the film. Weinstock emphasized a deliberate decision not to overly highlight the musical aspect in promotional materials, aiming to position Mean Girls as a broad comedy with universal appeal.
The studio’s nuanced promotion proved effective, attracting a diverse audience while maintaining the essence of the beloved comedy.
As Mean Girls continues to make waves globally, its impressive box office performance reinforces the enduring popularity of this high school musical phenomenon.
