Anna Faris Says Keenen Ivory Wayans Asked Her Not to Do “Scary Movie 3”. Here’s Why She Did

In recent discussions, actress Anna Faris has opened up about her complicated history with the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise, revealing the challenges she faced during her early career. Faris starred in the first four films of the series and made a return for the sixth installment, where she rekindled her relationship with the original director, Keenen Ivory Wayans.

In an interview with Variety, published on June 13, Faris, now 49, recounted a pivotal moment in 2002 when Wayans requested that she do not participate in ‘Scary Movie 3’. At the time, the Wayans brothers, who were instrumental in the franchise’s inception, had lost their rights to it after requesting a pay increase for the third film. “He had called me and said that the franchise had been taken away from them, and he asked me not to do it,” Faris explained. This conversation left her in a difficult position, as she felt a deep admiration for Wayans but was also bound by a contract.

Faris recalled the emotional struggle she faced, stating, “It was such a devastating moment… He said, ‘All they can do is sue you!’ and I’m thinking, ‘I’m living in a one-bedroom apartment by the farmer’s market!’” Her experience highlights the often stark realities of Hollywood contracts, where producers can effectively secure an actor’s involvement while offering little financial reward.

In fact, Faris revealed that she received a mere 65,000 Canadian dollars for her work on the first ‘Scary Movie’. This amount was quickly consumed by taxes and management fees, and her earnings for the subsequent two films were similarly underwhelming. “I wasn’t paid much for the second one or the third one,” she elaborated, sharing how this financial inadequacy contributed to her conflicted feelings towards the franchise.

Her remarks echo sentiments expressed by Marlon Wayans, who explained in a prior interview with Variety that the brothers had been pushed out over financial disputes with producers Harvey and Bob Weinstein. This backstory adds layers to the franchise’s history, showing that what began as a triumphant comedic endeavour turned sour for those who originally created it.

Despite the challenges faced during her early years, Faris maintained a sense of gratitude for the opportunities she had. “My feelings about the franchise were tough, and I felt so arrogant if I ever dismissed my massive stroke of luck in getting the role of Cindy Campbell,” she remarked. This reflects a broader truth in the entertainment industry, where success can coexist with dissatisfaction.

Faris’s recent return to the franchise with ‘Scary Movie 6’ was a contrast to her earlier experiences. Alongside the Wayans brothers and other returning cast members, including Regina Hall and Carmen Electra, she described the reunion as a “healing” experience. “When they called me, I was shocked and immediately thrilled,” she stated, conveying her joy at the opportunity to collaborate again with those who had shaped the franchise’s legacy.

The idea of revisiting past roles can often provoke mixed emotions for actors, particularly in the context of a franchise that has evolved significantly over the years. Faris expressed her delight at returning for the sixth installment, indicating that she felt a genuine sense of fulfilment this time around. “I couldn’t believe that there was a world where I would be feeling so good about doing ‘Scary Movies’ — not just good, like great,” she said.

As ‘Scary Movie 6’ graces cinemas across the UK, fans and newcomers alike can appreciate the blend of nostalgic characters with the promise of fresh humour. The film’s release marks a significant moment not only for the franchise but also for Faris, who has navigated the ups and downs of her career with resilience and candour.