Frankie Muniz Details Two-Decade Rift with Hilary Duff

Actor Frankie Muniz has publicly discussed a falling out with former co-star Hilary Duff, revealing the pair haven’t spoken since filming “Agent Cody Banks” in 2003, a detail that has resurfaced and sparked conversation among fans of the early 2000s stars.

Muniz, 39, explained he waited 22 years to share his perspective, stating he’s at a point in his life where he wants to be truthful. “I’m turning 40 next month and I’m like… so many people only see the positive or like the fake side of what people want to see,” he said, adding that he’s been increasingly open in recent interviews about previously avoided topics. He detailed the issue stemmed from a situation involving Duff’s mother during the casting of “Agent Cody Banks,” where she inquired about a female lead role, and Duff was subsequently cast despite Muniz’s preference for another actress.

According to Muniz, he and Duff were best friends from ages 12 and 13 until the end of the film’s production. “I regret not just continuing to be friends with her because we had a great friendship for such a long time, and I let her mom… it pissed me off,” he shared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast. The revelation comes as both actors have navigated successful careers and public lives since their days as teen stars; Duff currently stars in the Hulu series How I Met Your Father.

Muniz, who was recently spotted at the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500, indicated he may reach out to Duff, but has not yet done so. Representatives for Duff have not yet commented on Muniz’s statements.