Jonathan Bennett Hopes Aaron Samuels Remains Straight in ‘Mean Girls’ Sequel
Jonathan Bennett recently shared insights on the potential sequel to the celebrated 2004 film, Mean Girls, during an appearance on the podcast “I’ve Never Said This Before” with Tommy DiDario. Bennett, who portrayed the charming Aaron Samuels, highlighted that nearly all original cast members are enthusiastic about returning for a follow-up project.
Bennett’s Perspective on Aaron Samuels’ Sexual Orientation
When asked whether his character Aaron Samuels should be reimagined as gay in a sequel, Bennett insisted on preserving the integrity of the original narrative. “I think Aaron would be straight,” he stated, affirming that the character’s storyline should remain unchanged. Bennett believes that altering Aaron’s sexuality would be inconsistent with the original film’s storyline.
Support from the Cast
Bennett revealed that “99 percent of the cast is like, ‘Let’s go!'” when it comes to a sequel. He expressed pride in seeing many of his fellow cast members, including Daniel Franzese and Rajiv Surendra, come out as gay, noting the irony in the fact that so many actors from a film recognized for its LGBTQ+ following have publicly identified as part of the community.
- Bennett’s role: Aaron Samuels
- Original cast’s enthusiasm: 99% supportive of a sequel
- Cast members who have come out: Daniel Franzese, Rajiv Surendra
Plot Ideas for the Sequel
Bennett proposed an engaging storyline for the sequel, envisioning himself as a high school teacher. In this narrative, the original mean girls are now parents, navigating the trials of raising their own children in a school setting. Bennett suggested that this approach would resonate with millennials who grew up watching the original film and are now parents themselves.
Identifying with Different Generations
He emphasized the potential for a narrative that connects both the original characters and their new generation of children. “You could have a storyline for all the parents… and then you have the kids who are the new batch for their kids to be watching,” he explained, making a strong case for a multi-generational tale.
Different Takes on Characters
While Bennett is committed to keeping Aaron Samuels straight, actress Reneé Rapp, who reprised the role of Regina George on Broadway and in the recent remake, argues strongly for her character’s identity. Rapp firmly believes that Regina is “absolutely, absolutely gay.”
As discussions for a Mean Girls sequel continue, the creators and cast are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead, making it clear that they aim to honor the legacy of the original film while bringing fresh perspectives to the characters.
