In a heartwarming reunion that has Hollywood buzzing, Jamie Lee Curtis, 66, and Mark Harmon, 73, have been spotted bringing their signature charm to the set of Freakier Friday, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2003 hit Freaky Friday. Filming in Los Angeles from June to August 2024, the duo’s return to the beloved body-swapping comedy has sparked excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. Directed by Nisha Ganatra and set for a theatrical release on August 8, 2025, Freakier Friday promises to deliver laughs, nostalgia, and a fresh twist on the original’s formula. This article dives into the behind-the-scenes magic, the dynamic between Curtis and Harmon, the film’s evolving narrative, and the overwhelming anticipation for this family-friendly blockbuster.

A Nostalgic Reunion on Set

The set of Freakier Friday has been a hub of energy, with Curtis and Harmon reprising their roles as Tess Coleman and Ryan, respectively, 22 years after the original film captivated audiences. Curtis, who plays the spirited psychologist and mother, has been described as the driving force behind the sequel’s development, having personally pitched the idea to Disney CEO Bob Iger after realizing co-star Lindsay Lohan was now old enough to portray a mother herself. Harmon, stepping away from his long-running role on NCIS, marks his first non-NCIS-related project in 13 years, bringing a sentimental touch to the production. Their longstanding friendship, which began on the set of the 2003 film, has been a highlight, with Harmon sharing in a CinemaBlend interview, “Working with Jamie again feels like coming home. She’s a force, and it’s sweet to see our chemistry still spark.”

Photos circulating on X show Curtis and Harmon laughing between takes, with Curtis sporting Tess’s updated author-psychologist look and Harmon exuding Ryan’s laid-back charm. The set, located in Los Angeles, has been a blend of nostalgia and innovation, featuring vibrant recreations of the Coleman family’s world alongside new settings like a record store run by Chad Michael Murray’s character, Jake. The chemistry between Curtis and Harmon, evident in their playful banter and shared scenes, has been praised by crew members, with one X post noting, “Jamie and Mark are stealing the show on Freakier Friday. Their vibe is pure magic!” The duo’s ability to slip back into their roles has set the tone for a film that balances heartfelt family dynamics with slapstick humor.

The Plot: A Four-Way Body Swap Extravaganza

Freakier Friday, directed by Nisha Ganatra and written by Jordan Weiss, builds on the 2003 film’s premise, which saw Tess (Curtis) and her daughter Anna (Lohan) swap bodies via magical Chinese fortune cookies. The sequel introduces a multigenerational twist, with a four-way body swap involving Tess, now a grandmother; Anna, now a mother; and two teenagers, Harper (Julia Butters), Anna’s daughter, and Lily (Sophia Hammons), her soon-to-be stepdaughter. Harmon returns as Ryan, Tess’s husband and the stepfather to Anna and her brother Harry, navigating the chaos of blending families.

The story, set 22 years after the original, explores the challenges of merging two families as Anna prepares to marry Eric (Manny Jacinto), Lily’s father. When lightning strikes twice—metaphorically through another magical mishap—Tess swaps bodies with 15-year-old Harper, and Anna swaps with Lily, leading to a whirlwind of comedic misunderstandings and emotional growth. The film delves into themes of mother-daughter relationships, generational divides, and the importance of empathy, with Curtis’s Tess learning to temper her overbearing grandmotherly instincts and Lohan’s Anna grappling with parenting challenges. Harmon’s Ryan, though described as having an “underwritten” role, provides a grounding presence, with his scenes reportedly offering quiet humor and warmth.

Returning cast members, including Chad Michael Murray as Jake, Rosalind Chao as Mama P., and Stephen Tobolowsky as Mr. Bates, add continuity, while newcomers like Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, and Maitreyi Ramakrishnan bring fresh energy. The film’s 111-minute runtime is packed with jokes for all ages, musical elements courtesy of Ramakrishnan’s popstar character, Ella, and plenty of slapstick, making it a “family affair” that resonates with both millennials and younger audiences.

Curtis and Harmon: A Dynamic Duo

Jamie Lee Curtis, at 66, remains a comedic powerhouse, channeling the same infectious energy that earned her a Golden Globe nomination for the original Freaky Friday. Her performance as Tess, now a grandmother inhabiting a teenager’s body, has been hailed as “glorious” by critics, with Deadline noting that she “struts her stuff in an out-of-body experience all on its own.” Curtis’s commitment to the project is evident in her role as a producer alongside Kristin Burr and Andrew Gunn, as well as her relentless promotion, including a lively appearance with Lohan at Disney’s D23 event on August 9, 2024, where the film’s title was officially announced.

Mark Harmon, 73, brings a quieter but equally compelling presence to the set. Known for his 18-year tenure as Leroy Jethro Gibbs on NCIS, Harmon’s return to Freakier Friday marks a rare foray into comedy, showcasing his versatility. His longstanding friendship with Curtis, which he described as “wholesome” in a November 2024 CinemaBlend interview, has added a layer of authenticity to their on-screen dynamic. Harmon’s decision to reprise Ryan, despite a limited role, reflects his affection for the project, with X posts from fans celebrating his return: “Mark Harmon back as Ryan? My heart can’t handle this nostalgia!” His involvement, coupled with his recent work as a producer and narrator for NCIS: Origins, underscores his enduring presence in Hollywood.

Behind the Scenes: A Labor of Love

The production of Freakier Friday was a labor of love, sparked by Curtis’s initiative in October 2022 when she expressed interest in a sequel during a promotional event in Mexico. Her call to Disney, followed by discussions with Lohan, set the project in motion, with Disney greenlighting development in May 2023. Filming began on June 24, 2024, and wrapped on August 21, with Los Angeles serving as the primary location. The set was a blend of practical and creative elements, with scenes at a fictional record store and a high school adding a modern flair to the original’s aesthetic.

The chemistry between Curtis and Harmon was a focal point, with Lohan noting in a PEOPLE interview that Curtis was a steadfast supporter during her personal struggles in the early 2000s. “Jamie was privately really there for me,” Lohan said, highlighting their bond, which translates into their on-screen rapport. The set also welcomed new talent, with Julia Butters, known for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Sophia Hammons, making her feature film debut, earning praise for their comedic timing.

Critical and Fan Reception

Early reviews for Freakier Friday have been largely positive, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 76% approval rating based on 80 critics, praising Curtis and Lohan’s ability to “slip back into roles that fit them like mixed-and-matched gloves.” Metacritic’s score of 63/100 indicates “generally favorable” reviews, with critics noting the film’s nostalgic charm and family-friendly humor, though some argue it doesn’t transcend the genre like its predecessor. The film’s premiere at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on July 22, 2025, drew enthusiastic crowds, with X posts describing “loud laughter” and “teary-eyed moments” during screenings.

Fans of the original, particularly millennials, have expressed delight at seeing Curtis and Harmon reunite, with one X user writing, “Jamie and Mark back together in Freakier Friday? This is the sequel we didn’t know we needed!” The film’s exploration of multigenerational family dynamics has resonated, with reviewers highlighting its message about understanding across generations. However, some have noted the complexity of the four-way body swap, with Deadline admitting it’s “not always easy to keep track of it all.”

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for the Franchise

Freakier Friday, the seventh film in the Freaky Friday franchise based on Mary Rodgers’s 1972 novel, marks a triumphant return for Curtis and Harmon, whose on-set chemistry has reinvigorated the series. With a PG rating and a runtime of 1 hour 51 minutes, the film is poised to be a summer hit, capitalizing on the nostalgia of the 2003 original, which grossed over $160 million worldwide. As Disney continues to mine its vault for remakes, Freakier Friday stands out as a testament to Curtis’s vision and the enduring appeal of its cast.

For Curtis and Harmon, the film represents a celebration of their friendship and a chance to reconnect with audiences. As one X post summed it up, “Jamie Lee Curtis and Mark Harmon on the Freakier Friday set are giving us all the feels. This is Disney magic at its best.” With its blend of humor, heart, and a stellar ensemble, Freakier Friday is set to remind the world why body-swapping comedies remain a beloved staple.