Frankie Muniz said that he had not spoken with Hilary Duff in more than two decades. Muniz claims that his reason for not talking with Duff dates back to the time they were making Agent Cody Banks. Muniz appeared on The Joe Vulpis Podcast in September 2025, where he claimed that Hilary Duff’s mother had been instrumental in altering the movie’s storyline. This news has resurfaced as fans revisit Muniz’s past projects ahead of Malcolm in the Middle: Life Is Still Unfair, bringing fresh attention to one of his most surprising off-screen stories.
What exactly went on behind the scenes of ‘Agent Cody Banks’?
Frankie Muniz claims that Kristin Kreuk was originally set to feature in Agent Cody Banks. Muniz said that he had been given approval on casting in his contract. Therefore, Muniz had already read the movie’s script with Kreuk playing Natalie Connors. Kreuk was gaining fame at that time due to her role in Smallville. Muniz said that at that time, Kreuk was going to be his co-star.
This is because everything changed after he appeared in a guest role in “Lizzie McGuire.” Muniz said that Duff’s mother, Susan Duff, called him and asked him what he was doing that summer. Muniz said that after he told her he was working on “Agent Cody Banks,” she called the studio. The following day, Muniz said he heard that Duff had landed the role.
Susan Duff, Duff’s mother, may be called a “control freak” by Duff’s online fans. Muniz called her “intense” and said he was annoyed by her. Muniz said this is because it seemed like the studio was ignoring him. Muniz also said that it often made him uncomfortable because of her presence.
Muniz said he had not talked to Duff since the filming of “Agent Cody Banks” ended in 2002. Muniz said, though, that his annoyance is not directed towards Duff. Muniz said Duff is “so cool” and that he regrets the fact that things did not work out between them.
