Back to Top

Rachel McAdams Was Shockingly ‘Too Old’ for Mean Girls? The Real Reason Will Make Your Jaw Drop!

Added on January 31, 2026 inCelebrity News Cards, Entertainment News Cards

So, here’s a cosmic irony for you on this crisp Aquarius day—Rachel McAdams, who we all adore for her sharp wit and charm, once got the unforgettable note that she was “too old” for a Mean Girls role. Talk about Mercury retrograde messing with Hollywood’s age vibe! You see, Rachel didn’t even aim for the iconic Regina George initially; she went for Cady Heron, which famously went to Lindsay Lohan instead. The director’s response? Rachel was “too old” for the innocent newbie but “just right” to portray the worldlier, sassier Regina. It’s one of those moments where planets align with unexpected truths about soul ages—and honestly, how could anyone be “too old” when serving this much fabulousness? Let’s dive into the juicy behind-the-scenes tale that’s got more layers than a Scorpio’s secret diary. LEARN MORE.

Rachel McAdams Told She Was Too Old For Mean Girls

It might shock you to find out, however, that Rachel didn’t audition for Regina initially — and not only that, but the film’s casting had some specific misgivings about the role she was pursuing.

In an interview with People, Rachel — who stars in the hit horror-comedy Send Help that’s in theaters this very second — revealed that the Mean Girls role she initially pursued was…Wait for it…

The role of Cady Heron, which (as you well know) went to Lindsay Lohan.

“I remember thinking, ‘This is a futile exercise. I will never be hired for Cady,’” Rachel said about the audition — and, as it turns out, her prediction wasn’t too far off from the truth.

Rachel said that Mark commented at the time, “You’re too old to play Cady, but you’re just right for Regina. Regina has been around the block a few times and maybe has a, I don’t know if I’d call her an old soul, but she’s got a few more miles on her than Cady.”

Now, just for the record: Rachel is 47, whereas Lindsay is 39. So Rachel is technically older IRL, but it’s unclear whether Regina and Cady are of a different age in the film itself.

But in case you were wondering whether Rachel was offended by the comment: “I took it as a compliment,” she added.

So there you have it! The more you know…

ENTER TO WIN!

    This will close in 0 seconds

    GET YOUR FREE PASSWORD & WATCH ALL YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES & SHOWS!

      This will close in 0 seconds

      RSS
      Follow by Email