Tina Fey mentioned why sure jokes have been modified within the new Mean Girls film musical.
For instance, within the authentic 2004 film, cliques have been partially allotted by race and Coach Carr’s sexual relationship with a pupil was performed for laughs. Almost 20 years later, new variations of the script have subsequently performed away with or modified these moments. Of course, Tina’s had an enormous position in all that — she penned the unique script, wrote the e book for the Broadway musical, and is now producing the film musical.
Tina was requested by the New York Times in regards to the “jokes and story lines about race, sexuality and pedophilia” that have not aged effectively in a brand new interview. “I was writing in the early 2000s very much based on my experience as a teen in the late ’80s. It’s come to no one’s surprise that jokes have changed,” she replied.
“You don’t poke in the way that you used to poke. Even if your intention was always the same, it’s just not how you do it anymore, which is fine. I very much believe that you can find new ways to do jokes with less accidental shrapnel sideways,” she continued.
“People were really rough. People are still horrible, they’re just more likely to anonymously type it,” Tina mentioned, emphasizing that individuals have been nonetheless “divisive and horrible” however have been extra prone to “couch it in virtue.”
Subsequent adjustments included Dawn Schweitzer being referred to as a “horny shrimp” as an alternative of a “fats virgin” in the Burn Book. “I do know that even Regina would know what wouldn’t fly. She’s going to discover a solution to inflict ache on individuals, however she’s not going to get herself in hassle,” Tina defined.
One such second contains when Regina remarks, “Oh my God, it’s her dream come true: diving into a huge pile of girls” at Janice. Tina mentioned, “It was mine and [director] Sam Jayne’s feeling that Regina wouldn’t try that now because she knows the kids around her would be like, ‘That’s homophobic.’ She would know not to be homophobic, and hopefully, truly would not be homophobic.”
Not all of the adjustments have been performed for “moral” causes, nevertheless. When requested about Ms. Norbury not calling for individuals to cease referred to as girls “sluts” and “whores,” Tina mentioned, “Some of that was just needing to go faster to make room for songs.”
Regina’s weight shaming within the film nonetheless applies however is completed considerably otherwise. “Look at the famous people that influence Gen Z, and we’re still always talking about their bodies,” she continued. We nonetheless need to be speaking about how bizarre and messy all the things is for ladies, whereas acknowledging that these requirements aren’t necessary — however lots of people are nonetheless signing up for them.”
You can learn the complete interview with Tina right here.
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