Jamie Lee Curtis Calls “A Fish Called Wanda ”Followup Film ‘A Piece of S–t’: ‘We All Did it for Money’

**Jamie Lee Curtis Critiques Past Work Amid New Film Promotion at South by Southwest**

In a candid moment during the recent South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, actress Jamie Lee Curtis expressed her dissatisfaction with one of her earlier films, labelling it “a piece of s—“. The comment was made during a panel discussion held at the JW Marriott on March 14, where Curtis took the opportunity to reflect on her cinematic journey while promoting her new project, *Sender*, which she produced.

Curtis, now 67, was notably discussing her experience while filming what she referred to as “Fish Called Wanda Two”, a project that never came to fruition but is often associated with *A Fish Called Wanda*. The original film, released in 1988, starred Curtis as Wanda Gerschwitz, a grifter involved in a chaotic diamond heist alongside a British gangster and his bumbling associate. Despite its accolades and enduring popularity, the actress remarked that their motives for participating in the film were primarily financial, indicating a level of regret about that decision.

The original *A Fish Called Wanda* was well received, garnering praise for its clever writing and comedic performances. Curtis’s portrayal in the film, alongside notable stars like John Cleese, Kevin Kline, and Michael Palin, contributed greatly to the film’s success, leaving a lasting impression on both audiences and critics alike.

Interestingly, while *A Fish Called Wanda* never had a direct sequel, the cast members reunited for *Fierce Creatures* in 1997. Although this follow-up featured the same talent, it was set in an entirely different context. The film revolved around a multimillionaire, played by Kline, who acquires a struggling London zoo, where Curtis’s character, Willa Weston, was brought in to manage the affairs. Unfortunately, *Fierce Creatures* was met with a lukewarm reception and did not capture the same charm as its predecessor.

Critics noted that the sequel missed the mark regarding the unique timing and absurdity that made *A Fish Called Wanda* so memorable. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert commented that it lacked “the hair-trigger timing” of its predecessor and awarded it a mediocre two and a half out of four stars. This disparity in responses from audiences and critics further emphasised the unfulfilled potential of the follow-up.

Despite the rocky reception of *Fierce Creatures*, the original film’s legacy continues to endure. Curtis’s retrospective insights indicate a complicated relationship with her earlier projects, especially as she sits on the cusp of new ventures in her career. As she ramps up the promotion for *Sender*, which she produced, the actress is clearly drawing from her eclectic experience in the film industry.

Her openness about the past seems to resonate with many in her audience, as it reflects the broader experience of artists grappling with their work and the decisions that lead them to specific projects. Curtis’s willingness to critique her prior work invites discussions about artistic integrity, financial necessity, and the unpredictable nature of audience reception.

As she continues to make waves in the industry, Curtis remains a significant figure not only as an actress but also as a producer. Her upcoming film *Sender* is anticipated to reveal yet another facet of her versatile career. With each movie, Curtis has proven her ability to adapt, maintaining a relevant presence among both contemporary audiences and long-time fans.

As the festival continues, attendees and enthusiasts alike look forward to seeing how her latest venture unfolds, as well as whether Curtis will share more intriguing anecdotes from her storied career. This blend of nostalgia and critique offers an enriching understanding of not just her work, but the artistic landscape of the film industry at large.