The Parent Trap (1998)
- Nancy Meyers originally wanted a completely different ending for the film, but test audiences preferred the one we see today.
- The incredible score for The Parent Trap was composed in just a few weeks after the original composer dropped out.
- Before Lindsay Lohan was cast, several major A-list stars turned down the lead role because they felt the script was too risky.
The Parent Trap is a 1998 American comedy directed by Nancy Meyers, a remake of the 1961 Disney classic. Lindsay Lohan, in her film debut at age 11, plays both Hallie Parker and Annie James, identical twins separated at birth when their parents β a California vineyard owner played by Dennis Quaid and a London wedding dress designer played by Natasha Richardson β divorced and each took one daughter. When the twins accidentally meet at summer camp, they switch places to reunite their parents and prevent their father's marriage to a gold-digging publicist played by Elaine Hendrix.
Lindsay Lohan's dual performance was remarkably assured for a child actress β she gave each twin distinct mannerisms, accents, and personalities that made the audience forget they were watching one person. The split-screen and body-double effects were seamlessly executed. Nancy Meyers's direction established her signature warm, aspirational visual style.
The Parent Trap earned $92 million worldwide on a $15 million budget.
