Rachel Mcadams Explains How Motherhood Inspired Her New Film

Movie star Rachel McAdams has shared how being a mom shaped her approach to her latest film, ‘Are you there God? It’s Me, Margaret’. The 44-year-old actress, who shot to fame as a 25-year-old after the release of ‘Mean Girls,’ is a mother to two young children whom she shares with long-time boyfriend, Jamie Linden.

Her new film is about an 11-year girl called Margaret who is trying to navigate her way through adolescence at the end of the 20th century while being raised by religious parents. McAdams plays the role of Margaret’s mother, Barbara, and has spoken about how much fun she had making the movie. 

You Might Also Like: Crafting the Perfect Cover Letter: Tips for Stay-at-Home Moms Reentering the Job Market

At an early screening for the media, McAdams spoke to ET Online about her role in the film and how motherhood has been a huge influence on how she’s tackled the role. She said:

“Coming to this as a mom was very different for me. To see through those eyes, you just remind yourself of what it was to be that age, and how hard it was. I’m like ‘oh don’t worry about that stuff’ but of course, you’re worrying about that stuff. 

It’s so sort of patronizing to say, ‘it’ll be fine’ so you’ve got to get back in your 11-year-old skin and realize how much everything mattered. So trying to do that when playing Barb, but at the same time trying to be wise for this little girl and be the big person and put my big girl pants on. It was interesting to have read the book as a mother and approach it from there.”

You Might Also Like: Saying Goodbye: 20 Things That Will Disappear with Boomers

Advice for Her Younger Self

The book deals with some interesting topics, such as how young girls deal with menstruation and their love life as they enter their teenage years. As a mother to a young daughter, this is something that McAdams will have to help her navigate through in many years to come. 

Asked about what she would advise her pre-teen self, McAdams said:

“I would tell her that it’s going to get easier. It gets really fun the older you get, and I think it gets easier. But I don’t know that I’d want to go back!

If I could go back with all the wisdom I have now, sure. But if I just had to go right back? No way. No, thank you.”

You Might Also Like: 10 Reasons Why The Boomer Generation Are Lousy Grandparents

Advice for the Regina George

When McAdams first burst onto the acting scene, she was playing a teenage girl going through the trials and tribulations that older children have to contend with at high school. The role of Regina George is one of the most iconic among people of that generation and for the first time, the role has recently been recast. 

Renee Rapp is due to the play the ultimate high school “mean girl” in the musical adaption of the original film and production has already started. Offering advice to the new Regina, McAdams said:

“I don’t think she can do any wrong. She is amazing. She’s already got me beat with that voice, so I’m just excited to see her incarnation. It’s such a great character and so much fun to play so I hope she has a great time with it. I can’t wait to see it.”

More from Motherhood Life Balance:

• 10 Big Things Women Admitted Changed Forever After Becoming a Mother
• 10 Signs Your Family and Friends Are Taking Advantage of You
• 18 and Know it All?! Lessons EVERY 18 Year Old Should Learn Before Entering Adulthood