The 2024 musical comedy film Mean Girls is an adaptation of the Broadway musical created by Tina Fey, Nell Benjamin, and Jeff Richmond.
The stage musical itself was based on the 2004 movie, which was also written by Tina Fey and inspired by Rosalind Wiseman’s book, Queen Bees and Wannabes. The original film became a cult classic, known for its witty humor and quotable dialogue.
Directed by Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne, Mean Girls (2024) was primarily filmed in New Jersey. Below, we take a closer look at the key filming locations that brought this updated adaptation to life.
Mean Girls (2024): Cast, Release Date & Reception
The cast of Mean Girls (2024) includes Reneé Rapp, Angourie Rice, Avantika Vandanapu, Christopher Briney, Tina Fey, Jenna Fischer, Busy Philipps, Ashley Park, and Tim Meadows, among others.
Notably, Tina Fey and Tim Meadows reprised their roles from the original 2004 film as Ms. Norbury and Principal Duvall, respectively. Additionally, Reneé Rapp returned to her role as Regina George, which she previously played in the Broadway musical.
The film premiered in New York City on January 8, 2024, followed by a nationwide release on January 12, 2024. It received mixed reviews, with audiences appreciating the nostalgic elements while also noting changes made in this version.
Filming began on March 6, 2023, and wrapped up on April 19, 2023. While the new adaptation retains key elements such as the Burn Book and the Christmas talent show dance, some scenes—like Regina George getting hit by a bus—were omitted.
Mean Girls (2024) Filming Locations
Middletown, New Jersey – The Heart of the Movie
The primary filming location for Mean Girls (2024) was Middletown, New Jersey, situated in Morris County. As one of the oldest European settlements in the U.S., it provided a classic suburban backdrop for the fictional North Shore High School.
Mater Dei Preparatory School
Scenes set at North Shore High School were filmed at Mater Dei Preparatory School in the New Monmouth section of Middletown.
Originally established in 1961, the school closed in 2022 due to a decline in student enrollment. Since then, it has been used for occasional film and television productions.
Delbarton School
The Delbarton School, located in Morris County, was another key filming site. It served as the setting for various school-related scenes, including the memorable Christmas talent show, where Regina, Cady, Karen, and Gretchen—The Plastics—perform their iconic routine.
Saint Elizabeth University, Florham Park
Certain portions of the film were also shot at Saint Elizabeth University in Florham Park. The private university campus provided additional backdrops for several high school scenes.
Regina George’s Luxurious Home – Woodbridge, New Jersey
Regina George’s futuristic mansion was filmed at a private residence in Woodbridge, New Jersey.
Located in the Colonia section of Woodbridge, the house is modern and trendy, reflecting Regina’s status as the Queen Bee.
In the film’s trailer, her pale pink bedroom is seen decorated with pop art prints and stylish contemporary design, aligning with The Plastics’ ultra-glamorous lifestyle.
