Anna Faris, renowned for her diverse roles in film and television, has expressed her enthusiasm about reprising her iconic character, Cindy Campbell, in the upcoming Scary Movie 6. At the age of 49, Faris reflects on her time in the industry, stating, “I feel like I’ve been really lucky.” However, she admits there are other beloved roles from her past that she would love to explore again.
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In her chat with PEOPLE, Faris revealed that in addition to her return as Cindy, she has a particular fondness for Shelley, a character from the 2008 comedy, The House Bunny. She described Shelley as “near and dear to my heart,” highlighting the profound connection she feels to the character. Shelley, the film’s titular ‘house bunny’, is a former Playmate who becomes a house mother for a group of struggling sorority girls, helping them build confidence and learn to appreciate their true selves. The movie, which also featured notable actors like Emma Stone and Colin Hanks, was a significant role for Faris, sparking thoughts of its long-lasting impact on her life and career.
Faris shared her perspective on the role, stating, “It was a life-changing role.” She elaborated on how the character’s compassion and ability to show no judgment resonated with her. “Fundamentally, career stuff aside, playing a character that had so much compassion…it sounds really corny, but I think it made me feel like it was easier to make friends in a weird way,” she explained, underlining the emotional depth her character encapsulated.
Another character she fondly remembers is Samantha James from the 2005 Christmas romantic comedy, Just Friends. Unlike Shelley, Samantha is a self-absorbed pop star who embodies a “delicious little villain,” allowing Faris the chance to embrace a different side of her acting range. “It was delicious to play,” she remarked, indicating how much she relished the opportunity to portray someone so distinctively different from herself. She hinted at the possibility of revisiting either character in future projects, saying, “Maybe there could be an opportunity where I get to play either one of those characters again. I would just love that.”
Faris’s foray back into cinema comes at a time when she is also involved in a unique promotional role. Recently, she was invited to take part as a Candy Crush mascot during a Los Angeles Clippers game. Describing the experience, she stated, “Candy Crush asked me to come and join them as Bubblegum Troll. I am wearing a wild costume.” This partnership with the popular game allowed her to exhibit her playful side while engaging with the audience.
The actress expressed her excitement about the role, stating, “I get to bring joy and playfulness to a huge crowd of people. I’m thrilled. I get to have this childlike fun and energetic experience.” This juxtaposition of her characters—from the innocent and nurturing Shelley to the outrageous Samantha—illustrates the versatility that has defined Faris’s career.
Reflecting on her time in the entertainment industry, Faris emphasised the importance of character-driven narratives that offer both humour and profundity. Despite her success and the iconic roles she has embodied, she remains humble, appreciating the opportunities she has received along the way.
As Anna Faris prepares to step back into her notable role as Cindy Campbell, her desire to reconnect with past characters showcases her passion for storytelling. Whether it’s the warmth shared with Shelley or the indulgence of Samantha’s flamboyance, Faris continues to energise audiences with her performances, reminding us of the magic found in both comedic and heartfelt storytelling.
With Scary Movie 6 on the horizon and her vibrant involvement in the Candy Crush campaign, Faris is demonstrating that her journey in entertainment is far from over and continues to evolve in delightful and unexpected ways.