While promoting the highly anticipated sequel,Freakier Friday, Chad Michael Murray revealed which scene of the original 2003Freaky Fridaywas the most intimidating for him to film. The upcoming sequel, set to release on July 12, 2025, brings back Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, along with Murray, in a continuation of the Disney body-swapping comedy.
Freaky Friday’s “… Baby One More Time” scene, in which Murray’s Jake sings the song at the top of his lungs, is one of the most memorable scenes of the original movie. But, according to Murray, the iconic Britney Spears moment was frightening for him to film.
While speaking withCinemaBlend, Murray, who made his film debut inFreaky Friday, looked back on the experience and admitted that filming the now-iconic “…Baby One More Time” scene was“absolutely terrifying.”Read his full comments below:
Singing Britney Spears. Absolutely terrifying.
You’re like 19 years old and can’t sing and you’re just gonna go for it.
And the best part was, I remember that we were shooting in a neighborhood and we had a noise ordinance, but it was like 11 o’clock at night when we were about to finish up. And I’m singing this song in the middle of the neighborhood and all the neighbors are piling up and they’re all watching, which just makes it all that much better.
What This Means For Freakier Friday
Murray’s comment comes at an exciting time for viewers, asFreakier Fridaypromises to bring more chaotic comedyand multi-generational heart. His anecdote from the original film offers a nostalgic bridge between the 2003 Disney classic and the new sequel, which will continue the Curtis-Lohan mother-daughter dynamic while involving a new generation.
This also highlights the heart of theFreaky Fridayfranchise: characters embracing absurd situations fully, even when they feel ridiculous. Learning how much the Britney scene made Murray cringe offers a window into the creative playfulness of the original andsets expectations for new moments as iconic as this oneinFreakier Friday.
With the sequel bringing back the original leading cast and introducing new dynamics that reflect how much the characters have grown, along with new faces like Manny Jacinto, Julia Butters, and Sophia Hammons,that type of authenticity and comic relief is likely to be present inFreakier Friday.
If the originalFreaky Fridaytaught audiences anything, it’s that a well-executed blend of comedy and heart can stand the test of time. WithFreakier Friday,Disney seems to be on track to recapture that same spark, and it helps that returning stars like Murray and Lohan are just as game now as they were back in 2003.
With a cast that’s clearly invested and appreciative of the story, and wants to bring it forth to a new generation,Freakier Fridayhas a strong shot at becoming another generational favorite. The original cast’s return, paired with new energy, suggests this sequel won’t be just about recreating iconic moments, but showing how much has changed while celebrating the core of what made the original film a Disney classic.
