Freaky Friday locations: where the crazy female comedy was filmed

The sequel to one of the most iconic comedies of the early 2000s hits theaters on August 6th. All Italian movie theaters are ready to make room for Freaky Friday, a film sure to move the masses, from those nostalgic for the first film to the new generations. This new female-led adventure is sure to provide a healthy dose of wholesome fun and a touch of irresistible glamour.

The leads, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan , return, while the direction is changed, entrusted to Nisha Ganatra . The 2003 comedy was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, let's see if this sequel also retains the original locations or decided to explore different locations.

What is the movie about?

The film is set years after the events of the first installment. Former rebellious teenager Anna (played by Lindsay Lohan) is now a grown-up, a young mother of two girls, Harper and Lily (Julia Butters and Sophia Hammons, respectively). Amid the daily struggles and complex dynamics of combining two families, Anna and her mother Tess (aka Jamie Lee Curtis) find themselves facing an unexpected event: another body swap .

And this time, the "Friday miracle" won't just involve mother and daughter, but also the next generation. Anna will find herself in the body of her daughter Harper, while Tess will switch places with her granddaughter Lily. An even crazier and more chaotic adventure awaits them, filled with laughter, life lessons, and inevitable moments of confusion.

Where was it filmed?

Twenty-two years after the first film, Freakier Friday returns to celebrate the energetic and glamorous city of Los Angeles on the big screen. Set and filmed in the famous California location that served as the backdrop for the first adventure, the new film features iconic locations such as Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

Filming for this sequel also took place in the original house used in the first film, strengthening the connection with the previous film. Among the recognizable locations are Anna's school, along with other sets scattered around the city, which contribute to a familiar yet fresh atmosphere. Unfortunately, after the devastating fires of early 2025, the house and the pickleball tournament site were extensively damaged.

Dorris Place Elementary School

Located in the Elysian Valley neighborhood, also known as Frogtown, the school is located at 2225 Dorris Place in Los Angeles. With its East Coast-inspired architectural style, from its signature red bricks to distinctive arches and dark wood details, the building exudes a refined, nostalgic atmosphere, often used as a filming location for movies and television series.

According to the Los Angeles Times, it's probably the most photographed and used elementary school in American film and television. Built in the 1920s, the structure has retained its original charm, becoming a small symbol of the past that still lives on in the heart of the city.

Sunset Tower Hotel

Overlooking the famous Sunset Boulevard, this building served as another landmark for the filming of the movie. A true Art Deco icon, it stands in the heart of the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. It was designed by architect Leland A. Bryant in 1929 and officially opened in 1931. Initially conceived as a luxury residence, it soon became home to some of the most famous personalities of the era, including Howard Hughes, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor , and John Wayne.

During the 1980s, however, the building fell into decline. An initial attempt at conversion failed, until architect Peter de Savary stepped in in 1985, investing $25 million to transform it into the "St. James's Club." Subsequently, between 1992 and 2004, it was known as " The Argyle ," and only with the arrival of Jeff Klein did the building revert to its original name. The venue underwent a meticulous renovation, which enhanced its original Art Deco style, refined the interiors, and added a touch of contemporary elegance.

Altadena, California

The scenes set during the pickleball tournament were filmed at the Altadena Town & Country Club, located at 2290 Country Club Drive. Sadly, this historic facility was also destroyed in the devastating fires that recently struck the area.

Altadena, an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County, is located immediately north of Pasadena, at the foot of the majestic San Gabriel Mountains. Its name combines "Alta," which means "high" in Spanish, and "Dena," short for Pasadena, a clear reference to its elevated position above the neighboring city.

Famous for its spectacular views of the mountains and valley below, Altadena has become a popular filming location for several films, including Freaky Friday.

Chapala Dr, Pacific Palisades

We close with the famous Coleman house , which became iconic in the film. It was located on Chapala Drive, in the prestigious Huntington Palisades, one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. Now, as previously mentioned for other locations, it has been destroyed by fires.

Chapala Drive is a quiet, leafy residential street just steps from Palisades Village, close to highly regarded schools and the beaches that line the western side of the city. Pacific Palisades is known for its natural beauty and refined atmosphere, a place where the mountains meet the ocean, offering spectacular views. Homes along Chapala Drive range from historic residences built between the 1930s and 1950s to newer properties, featuring traditional or contemporary styles.