Anna Faris and Regina Hall are once again gracing the big screen, returning to the beloved ‘Scary Movie’ franchise, alongside the Wayans brothers. This latest reboot is scheduled for release on June 5, marking the first entry in the series since 2013.
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Faris, renowned for her role as Cindy Campbell in the original films, reflected on her unique career journey at the Los Angeles premiere of the reboot on June 3. Over her 25-year career, the actress has experienced what she terms an “odd struggle,” particularly in her attempts to branch out into more dramatic roles following her initial success in comedy. In her candid remarks to The Hollywood Reporter, Faris described her ongoing battle with the perceptions of her talent and the limitations imposed by her long-standing association with the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise.
“It has been like an odd struggle for me and defining, frustrating, gratifying,” remarked the 49-year-old star. “I’ve spent 25 years feeling the love from people [but] I didn’t win any awards, I couldn’t even get an audition for like dramatic stuff. My peers felt like they had a leg up; I didn’t know why. I was like subjugated to what, R-rated comedies? What the f*** is my future?”
Despite these challenges, Faris now embraces her place within the series. “It just feels incredible to be holding my own,” she said. “I’m a pillar now. And look at me, try to knock me over — I’m stable now.” Over the years, Faris has featured prominently in nearly all of the franchise’s films, with an exception for the fifth installment released in 2013. Her return, alongside Hall and the Wayans brothers, underscores a desire to reinvigorate the comedy series that launched their careers.
Before her rise to fame with ‘Scary Movie’, Faris made her onscreen debut in the 1991 television film ‘Deception: A Mother’s Secret’. She subsequently appeared in movies such as ‘Eden’ and ‘Lovers Lane’. Following her initial breakthrough, she carved a niche in the comedy genre, frequently collaborating with the franchise’s original creators.
In recent years, Faris has diversified her portfolio, starring in films like ‘The Estate’ and ‘My Spy: The Eternal City’. She also enjoyed a successful run on the CBS sitcom ‘Mom’, which concluded in 2020. Reflecting on her relationship with Hollywood, she admitted to Entertainment Weekly that there were times she felt marginalised. “I had been coming around to the idea of Hollywood sort of putting me out to pasture. And that was okay,” she confessed.
Additionally, the actress faced personal struggles, notably a devastating home fire that destroyed her residence in early January 2025. Sharing her experience, Faris noted, “With the house burning down, there was a lot of taking stock. So to have this opportunity to thank them—I got to thank [the Wayans] every day. They were probably really annoyed with me.”
When approached to reprise her role in the latest installment, Faris conveyed her enthusiasm. In an earlier interview with PEOPLE, she described her reaction as “shocked and immediately thrilled,” expressing her disbelief at the prospect of re-entering the ‘Scary Movie’ universe. “I couldn’t believe that there was a world where I would be feeling so good about doing ‘Scary Movie’, not just good, but great,” she shared.
As anticipation builds for the new film’s release, Faris and Hall are set to delight audiences once again with the humour that characterised the original series. The franchise has secured a nostalgic place in the hearts of many, and returning to its roots with familiar faces aims to bring about a sense of familiarity and excitement.
With ‘Scary Movie’ back in theatres, fans are eager to find out how Faris’s journey unfolds in this iteration. As the actress embarks on this new chapter, she embodies resilience in the face of both personal and professional challenges, marking her evolution not only as an entertainer but also as a role model for perseverance.