Full Breakdown
Jonathan Bennett Discusses Aaron Samuels' Sexuality in Potential Mean Girls Sequel
11/4/2025, 12:43:33 AM
Bennett's Stance on Character Identity
Jonathan Bennett, known for his role as Aaron Samuels in the 2004 film *Mean Girls*, has expressed his preference for the character to remain straight in any potential sequel. In an interview on the *I've Never Said This Before* podcast, Bennett stated, “I think Aaron would be straight because I wouldn’t want to change the narrative of Aaron Samuels because Jonathan Bennett is gay.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining the original storyline rather than altering it to reflect his own identity.
Background on Mean Girls
*Mean Girls*, based on Rosalind Wiseman's 2002 book *Queen Bees and Wannabes*, has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring a Broadway musical and a recent movie musical adaptation released in 2024. The original film featured Bennett alongside Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, and has since seen many of its male cast members, including Daniel Franzese and Rajiv Surendra, come out as queer.
Potential Sequel Concepts
Bennett indicated that he and a majority of the original cast would be interested in reprising their roles if a sequel were to be developed. He proposed a storyline where the characters are now parents, with their children attending the same high school. “Why don’t we just do the movie everyone wants? We all come back, I’m a teacher at the school, the girls are grown up [and] have their own kids,” he suggested. This concept aims to appeal to both original fans and a new generation.
Fan Reactions and Criticism
Bennett's comments have sparked a mixed response among fans. While some appreciate his commitment to the character's original narrative, others argue that modern storytelling should evolve to include more diverse representations. One fan on X remarked that Bennett's stance was “refreshing and grounded,” while another countered that “representation matters more than keeping a 2004 storyline frozen in time.” This division highlights the ongoing conversation about inclusivity in media.
Official Statements from Tina Fey
Tina Fey, the original writer and producer, has previously expressed interest in bringing back the original cast but noted that logistical challenges have prevented this from happening. In a January 2024 interview, she mentioned, “I have a feeling Paramount would love that. I have not really thought much about that,” indicating that while there is interest, concrete plans have yet to materialize.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everett "I think Aaron would be straight because I wouldn't want to change the narrative of Aaron Samuels because Jonathan Bennett is gay.” — Jonathan Bennett, Actor
- “Why don't we just do the movie everyone wants; we all come back, I'm a teacher at the school, the girls are grown up [and] have their own kids, and now their daughters are coming to school,” — Jonathan Bennett, Actor
- “To me, part of why the stakes are so high in the story is because everyone's so young and feelings are huge, love is huge and friendship is huge in a way [that it isn't with] middle-aged moms.” — Tina Fey, Writer/Producer
As discussions about a potential sequel continue, Bennett remains open to revisiting the *Mean Girls* universe, provided that the character of Aaron Samuels stays true to his established identity.
