Rachel McAdams, the actress who became a cultural icon as Regina George in Mean Girls (2004), recently opened up about an early career moment that might surprise fans: she was told she was “too old” to play the lead in the hit teen comedy – even though she was just 25 at the time.

In a candid interview reflecting on the enduring legacy of Mean Girls, McAdams said that hearing she was too old for the role initially felt unexpected but ultimately boosted her confidence. “Someone said I was too old to play the lead because I was 25,” she recalled. Instead of taking it as a setback, McAdams said she “took it as a compliment,” seeing it as validation that she had the maturity and presence to carry the film’s central character.

Looking back, McAdams said she didn’t let early doubts define her path. “I just really wanted to do it,” she said of pursuing the role, explaining that her passion for the project outweighed any concerns about age or suitability. Her commitment paid off, with her portrayal of Regina becoming a defining moment in her career.