Frankie Muniz Reveals He Hasn’t Spoken to Hilary Duff in Two Decades Following Casting Conflict

Actor Frankie Muniz has revealed a long-held secret. He has not spoken to his former co-star Hilary Duff for over twenty years. The rift stems from a conflict during the casting of their 2003 film, Agent Cody Banks.

Muniz discussed the incident on a recent podcast. He described feeling bypassed in the decision-making process. This event ended what he called a “really, really good” early friendship in Hollywood.

The Sudden Casting That Broke a Friendship

According to podcast interviews, Muniz and Duff were close friends in the early 2000s. They met after Muniz moved to Los Angeles. Duff even invited him to guest star on her hit Disney show, Lizzie McGuire.

The trouble began during a casual conversation. Muniz mentioned his upcoming role in Agent Cody Banks to Duff’s mother. He was asked if there was a role suitable for Hilary.

Muniz was shocked the very next day. He arrived on set to learn Duff had been officially cast as his co-star. Her mother announced the news, stating contracts were signed overnight.

The speed of the deal stunned Muniz. He clarified his issue was not with Duff personally. He was upset that the producers went “around” him despite his input on casting.

A Permanent Rift and Lasting Impact

The filming experience for Agent Cody Banks was strained. Muniz admitted the presence of Duff’s mother on set made him uncomfortable. He described the atmosphere as difficult following the casting controversy.

The two young stars never reconciled after production wrapped. Muniz stated they have not exchanged a single word since the last day of filming. This silence has lasted for more than two decades.

The story offers a rare glimpse into behind-the-scenes Hollywood dynamics. It highlights how industry decisions can permanently alter personal relationships, even between young friends.

The story of Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff serves as a candid reminder of old Hollywood wounds. Their friendship fracture over an Agent Cody Banks casting decision remains unresolved to this day.

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Q1: What caused Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff to stop speaking?

They stopped speaking after the casting process for the 2003 movie Agent Cody Banks. Muniz felt producers bypassed his input to cast his friend Duff. The incident created a permanent rift between them.

Q2: Were Frankie Muniz and Hilary Duff close before this?

Yes, they were very close friends early in their careers. Duff even asked Muniz to guest star on her show Lizzie McGuire. Muniz has described their early relationship in Los Angeles as strong.

Q3: What was Frankie Muniz’s main issue with the casting?

His issue was not with Duff getting the role. He was upset that the film’s producers did not consult him. They assumed it was fine because of their friendship, which Muniz found disrespectful.

Q4: How long has it been since they last spoke?

Muniz confirmed they have not spoken since the last day of filming Agent Cody Banks. That was over twenty years ago, dating back to 2003.

Q5: Did Hilary Duff’s family play a role in this?

According to Muniz, Duff’s mother was centrally involved. She informed him of the casting decision the morning after he first mentioned the film. Her presence on set afterward added to the tension.