Director Nisha Ganatra orchestrates a special cameo for Hendrix, reuniting her with Lohan 27 years after their iconic face-off in the beloved 1998 film.
New York City, US – July 28, 2025 – Fans of the 1998 hit “The Parent Trap” are in for a delightful surprise with the upcoming release of Disney’s “Freakier Friday.” Director Nisha Ganatra, at the helm of the “Freaky Friday” sequel, revealed her “brilliant beyond brilliant idea” to bring back Elaine Hendrix for a cameo, reuniting her with Lindsay Lohan 27 years after their memorable on-screen rivalry.
“Freakier Friday,” which is set to hit theaters on August 8, 2025, sees the return of Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, reprising their roles as Anna and Tess Coleman in the body-swapping comedy. However, Ganatra, a longtime collaborator with Hendrix, seized the opportunity to add an extra layer of nostalgia.
At the film’s New York City premiere on July 22, Hendrix shared the serendipitous way her cameo came about with E! News’ Will Marfuggi. “I’ve done many projects with her,” Hendrix explained of Ganatra. “So she texted me and she’s like, ‘Hey, wanna come play—’ and I said, ‘Absolutely. Where do I gotta show up and when?'”
Hendrix, who famously played the formidable Meredith Blake—the prickly publicist engaged to Nick Parker (Dennis Quaid), Hallie’s father, in “The Parent Trap”—shot a cameo in “Freakier Friday” as a magazine editor. Her character features one of the pop stars mentored by Lohan’s Anna Coleman, who is now a grown woman and works at a record label.
“I have such a specific connection to her,” Hendrix noted of Lohan. “But she’s not that little girl anymore. She’s grown up. So it was like, ‘I know you, but oh wait—you’re different now.’ So getting to reconnect with her was so nice.” The on-set reunion allowed the two actresses to “reminisce on set, and to play little games, and just catch up,” making it “great.” This signifies a long way from Meredith Blake’s infamous snarl to the twins: “I promise I will make your lives miserable from the day I say ‘I do.'”
Despite Lohan now being based in Dubai with her husband Bader Shammas and their 2-year-old son Luai, Hendrix confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that they maintain contact. “We both have full lives, but particularly through social media and texting, we’re staying in touch, which is quite lovely. I’m so happy for her and where she is in her life.”
Where Are They Now? Catching Up with the Stars of “The Parent Trap” (1998)
Beyond the “Freakier Friday” reunion, many other “Parent Trap” alums have continued their careers and built fulfilling lives.
Lindsay Lohan (Hallie Parker / Annie James): After her dual role debut, Lohan became a major young Hollywood star with hits like “Freaky Friday,” “Mean Girls,” and “Just My Luck.” Following personal struggles and a hiatus from Hollywood, she relocated to London and later Dubai. She ventured into entrepreneurship with nightclubs in Greece and starred in two short-lived reality shows. In 2020, she relaunched her music career with “Back to Me.” Her acting comeback began with Netflix’s “Falling For Christmas” (2022) and “Irish Wish” (2024), culminating in her return to Disney for “Freakier Friday” (2025). In July 2023, she welcomed her first child, Luai, with husband Bader Shammas.
Dennis Quaid (Nick Parker): Already an established leading man before “The Parent Trap,” Quaid continued his successful career with films like “Frequency,” “The Day After Tomorrow,” and “Far From Heaven.” More recently, he starred in the Paramount+ series “Happy Face” and the 2024 Oscar-nominated film “The Substance.” He also fronts his band, Dennis Quaid and The Sharks, formed in 2000. Quaid divorced Meg Ryan in 2000 and Kimberly Buffington in 2018. In June 2020, he secretly eloped with Laura Savoie, defending their 40-year age gap. He has three children: Jack (with Meg Ryan) and fraternal twins Thomas and Zoe (with Kimberly Buffington).
Elaine Hendrix (Meredith Blake): Known for her iconic villainess role, Hendrix has had numerous film and TV roles since “The Parent Trap,” including a guest spot on “Friends” and starring as Alexis Carrington in the “Dynasty” reboot (2019-2022). She remains very close friends with “The Parent Trap” co-star Lisa Ann Walter (Chessy) and has also been involved in a “Parent Trap” parody off-Broadway show called “Ginger Twinsies.” Her cameo in “Freakier Friday” as “Blake Kale” is a clever nod to her memorable character.
Natasha Richardson (Elizabeth James): The brilliant English actress, who played the twins’ mother, Elizabeth James, tragically passed away on March 18, 2009, at the age of 45, due to a brain hemorrhage after a skiing accident. She left behind her husband, Liam Neeson, and their two sons. Her castmates frequently remember her with immense fondness and respect.
Lisa Ann Walter (Chessy): Walter, who played the lovable nanny Chessy, has continued to act in various roles. She experienced a significant career resurgence with her role as Melissa Schemmenti in the critically acclaimed ABC series “Abbott Elementary,” which premiered in 2021. She is also very good friends with Elaine Hendrix in real life.
Simon Kunz (Martin): The charming British butler, Martin, played by Simon Kunz, has continued to work in film and television, with roles in productions like “Captain America: The First Avenger” and “The Last Kingdom.”
The “Freakier Friday” premiere not only promises a new chapter for Anna and Tess Coleman but also delivered a delightful dose of “Parent Trap” nostalgia, reminding fans of the enduring magic of these beloved Disney films and the careers of their talented casts.