Anna Faris says she didn’t think she was 'hot enough' for acting before 'Scary Movie' casting

Anna Faris revealed landing the 'Scary Movie' role felt like ‘an earthquake in my life’
Anna Faris attends the World Premiere of Paramount Pictures 'Scary Movie' at Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles, California (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
Anna Faris attends the World Premiere of Paramount Pictures 'Scary Movie' at Paramount Theatre in Los Angeles, California (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Anna Faris shared how 'Scary Movie' changed her life, opening up about her insecurities, doubts, and even funny anecdotes about what her friends told her after she landed the role of Cindy Campbell. 

She admitted she did not initially think she was suited for comedy. She also reflected on the 'Scary Movie' franchise and the recent release of its sixth instalment on Friday, June 5.

Anna Faris attends the Premiere of Lionsgate and Pantelion Film's
 Anna Faris attends the premiere of Lionsgate and Pantelion Film's 'Overboard' at Regency Village Theatre on April 30, 2018 in Westwood, California (David Livingston/Getty Images)

Anna Faris opens up about insecurities before landing 'Scary Movie' role

In an interview with Variety, Faris reflected on what it meant to be chosen as the lead in the spoof comedy, admitting she never saw herself as a natural fit for the genre.

“I’ve never done comedy. I was never known for comedy. I was like a little dramatic theater rat in Seattle. I had just decided to maybe give LA a year. I was going to wait tables. I just graduated from college, but acting was something I didn't think I was good enough."

She went on to share how uncertain she felt about her abilities at the time of the casting. “I didn't think I was hot enough, whatever, so getting cast and a scary movie wasn't an earthquake in my life, an absolute earthquake."



"I could called my college roommate, and I said I was just cast as the lead in a spoof movie, and she said, " Oh, Anna, you're not funny. I was, like, I know," she continued. Faris added with humor that even she questioned her comedic talent early on. “I know, I wasn't funny, she was right. Oops, turns out, I, I don't know all the activities that my face does, you know," she laughed.

Anna Faris says returning to Scary Movie felt 'healing'

Faris was just 23 when 'Scary Movie' was first released in July 2000, and she has since said that even after its success, she continued to question her place in Hollywood. She described the franchise’s biggest “gift” as its wide, multi-demographic fan base. 

The actress also called returning to the series a “healing” experience, saying, “We got to be back together again. And that in and of itself is, for me, a personal celebration,” as she reflected on reuniting with the cast after so many years.

Anna Faris, Michael Barrett and Jack Pratt attend the World Premiere of Paramount Pictures
Anna Faris, Michael Barrett and Jack Pratt attend the World Premiere of Paramount Pictures ‘Scary Movie’ at Paramount Theatre on June 03, 2026 in Los Angeles, California (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

At the 'Scary Movie 6' premiere, held more than two decades after the original film, Faris arrived alongside her husband, cinematographer Michael Barrett, and his daughter Margot. She wore a black sequin halter dress with cutouts, while other attendees opted for classic black suits.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

The 43-year-old made the comment after footage of North meeting crowds at Paris Fashion Week surfaced online
55 minutes ago
John Oliver will appear in episodes airing July 2, 3 and 6 after 'General Hospital' producers answered his on-air request
2 hours ago
The ‘Queen of Pop’ made the revelation during a new interview with Graham Norton at Koko
2 hours ago
Lizzo says Taylor Swift's success comes from authenticity as she reflects on her own album's disappointing chart run
3 hours ago
Nia Long praised Jaafar Jackson at the BET Awards, highlighting his portrayal of Michael Jackson during the ceremony presentation
4 hours ago
Ian Somerhalder said he doesn't miss acting but misses the people, as he shifted from Hollywood to regenerative agriculture documentaries
4 hours ago
The singer shared that she was already preparing for the stage when she was informed of the cancellation due to bad weather
5 hours ago
Taylor Alison Swift appeared in a tribute video for Alan Eugene Jackson at his Nashville finale, where audience reaction turned mixed during the segment
6 hours ago
Rihanna captured Riot Rose waving back after A$AP Rocky expressed his love from the concert stage
6 hours ago
Kevin Pollak reflected on working with Rob Reiner and shared how the director’s approach shaped his experience on the courtroom drama set
6 hours ago