Actor Frankie Muniz has opened up about his two-decade silence with Hilary Duff, revealing the unexpected reason behind their falling out. Speaking on The Joe Vulpis Podcast, Muniz shared that he hasn’t spoken to Duff in 22 years — ever since they co-starred in Agent Cody Banks (2003). According to Muniz, Duff’s mother interfered in the film’s casting process, leading to long-term tension between the former teen stars. Muniz expressed regret about losing touch with Duff, admitting he wishes they had stayed friends despite what happened behind the scenes.
The Casting Conflict Behind ‘Agent Cody Banks’
During the podcast, Frankie Muniz recounted how Duff’s mother allegedly went behind his back to secure her daughter’s role in Agent Cody Banks. At the time, Muniz was already attached to the film as the lead and expected Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) to play the female lead.
Muniz recalled that after he mentioned the project to Duff’s mom during a visit to the Lizzie McGuire set, she immediately began pursuing the role for her daughter. By the next morning, Duff was confirmed as the female lead.
“Her mom said, ‘Guess what? We’re going to be spending the summer together… she’s doing Cody Banks with you,’” Muniz said. “The movie you knew nothing about yesterday?”
The actor admitted he was “pissed off” by the move, feeling blindsided after believing he had some influence in casting decisions.
22 Years Without Contact
Although Agent Cody Banks went on to gross nearly $60 million worldwide, the off-screen tension took a personal toll. Muniz revealed that he has not spoken to Duff since the final day of filming in 2003.
“I was very sad when Hilary’s mom would come on set,” Muniz said. “I’ve not said one word to her since then. That’s the truth of it.”
He added that the incident strained what was once a strong friendship that began during their early teen years in Hollywood.
Frankie Muniz Regrets Losing a Friend
Now 39, Muniz says he regrets letting the situation dictate the end of their friendship.
“I regret not just continuing to be friends with her because we had a great friendship for such a long time,” he said. “I would love to catch up with her [in the future]. I’m sure she doesn’t even know any of that happened.”
Hilary Duff has not yet responded publicly to Muniz’s comments.
Could There Be a Reunion?
While a reunion between the former co-stars isn’t confirmed, Muniz’s comments have reignited nostalgia among fans of early 2000s teen films. With Duff recently hinting at new music and Muniz returning to acting, fans are speculating whether a future collaboration or conversation could finally close a 22-year-old chapter.
