On August 5, 2025, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan appeared together in Sydney, Australia, as part of their international press tour promoting the much-anticipated Disney sequel “Freakier Friday.” The pair’s arrival created a wave of excitement among fans, many of whom had waited over two decades to see the iconic duo reunite on screen. Their presence in Australia’s cultural capital emphasized the film’s global significance and reignited nostalgia for the beloved 2003 classic “Freaky Friday,” while also showcasing their continued appeal to both longtime followers and a new generation of viewers.
The stars were in Sydney for the local premiere of the film, held at Event Cinemas in Bondi Junction, a high-profile venue known for hosting major entertainment events. Anticipation was high as crowds of fans gathered hours in advance in hopes of catching a glimpse of the actresses or scoring an autograph. However, the excitement soon turned into disappointment for many, as Curtis and Lohan made only a brief appearance on the purple carpet before heading straight into the cinema. Their quick entrance left dozens of fans disheartened, with some expressing their frustrations online and describing the moment as a letdown after such a long wait. In an effort to ease tensions, event organizers distributed discount food vouchers, though many attendees found them unusable as surrounding businesses had already closed.
Despite the brief encounter, Curtis and Lohan did participate in an indoor fashion segment where they judged fan-designed outfits inspired by the film. During the event, Curtis acknowledged the warm reception from Australian fans and emphasized the country’s important role in the film’s international success. Lohan, who appeared on stage with her young son, spoke about how meaningful it was for her to return to Australia, sharing her gratitude for the support and enthusiasm she’s received during the tour. Although the appearance may not have fully met audience expectations, their on-stage remarks were warmly received.
The promotional event followed the duo’s earlier stops in London and Los Angeles, each accompanied by strong media coverage and public enthusiasm. Lohan arrived in Sydney dressed in a statement-making denim outfit from Miu Miu, which reportedly cost over 5,000 Australian dollars. She accessorized with a luxury Hermès Birkin bag estimated to be worth upwards of AUD 20,000. Curtis arrived separately, opting for a more understated look, pairing her elegant black ensemble with a matching mask and designer handbag. The contrast in their styles offered a visual nod to the differences between their characters in the film—an uptight psychologist and a free-spirited music producer.
“Freakier Friday,” directed by Nisha Ganatra, serves as a direct sequel to the 2003 hit, with both Curtis and Lohan reprising their original roles as Tess and Anna Coleman. Now two decades older, their characters have evolved significantly. Anna is a busy music producer and single mother to a teenage daughter, Harper, while Tess has become a successful psychologist, a podcast host, and a grandmother. The new twist in the storyline involves a multigenerational body swap that includes not just Tess and Anna but also the teenage children in the family. This updated plot promises a blend of classic body-swap humor with contemporary themes about parenting, family blending, and generational disconnects.
Curtis has previously shared that the long delay in creating a sequel was intentional. She believed the story would only be meaningful if both lead actresses had lived experiences of parenthood, allowing them to portray their characters with authenticity. Now that Lohan is a mother herself, both stars felt the timing was right to revisit their roles and explore how their characters would interact in a modern family context. Their off-screen friendship, maintained over the years, has also been instrumental in rekindling the chemistry that made the original film so memorable.
Early reviews of “Freakier Friday” have been generally positive, with critics praising the film’s ability to blend heartfelt emotion with comedy. Curtis has been applauded for her comedic timing and emotional depth, while Lohan has been recognized for bringing a mature, grounded presence to her role. Reviewers have noted that the film plays well to nostalgia while still offering fresh humor and relatable themes for today’s audiences. Supporting performances by Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, and Vanessa Bayer add layers of complexity and warmth to the story.
While the Sydney premiere may have had its logistical hiccups, the buzz surrounding the film remains strong. The reunion of Curtis and Lohan on screen has sparked renewed interest in the franchise, as fans eagerly await the film’s release in theaters worldwide on August 8. Their brief but impactful promotional tour in Australia underscored the enduring popularity of the story and its characters, while also revealing the challenges of balancing fan expectations with high-profile media obligations.
Ultimately, “Freakier Friday” stands as both a celebration of a beloved classic and a bold step forward into new territory. It reflects the evolution of its stars and their characters, offering viewers a chance to laugh, reflect, and reconnect with a timeless tale of understanding and empathy across generations.