Anna Faris is reflecting on the early reaction to her breakout role as Cindy Campbell in Scary Movie (2000), more than 25 years after the film first introduced her spoof character to audiences. In a recent interview with Films Actu, Faris said she had positive encounters with the actresses whose famous horror roles were parodied in the movie, including Neve Campbell and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Faris recalled meeting Campbell at an audition and described her as “so lovely,” while saying Hewitt once sent her flowers. She added that the experience felt lighthearted rather than hostile, because the movie was so absurd that it would have seemed unreasonable to be offended by it.
Shawn Wayans, who co-created the franchise with his brother Marlon Wayans and also stars in it, echoed Faris’s view. He said the Scary Movie films were made with “kids gloves,” suggesting the comedy was meant to be playful rather than mean-spirited.
Campbell, who is promoting Scream 7, also commented on the parody during the same interview. She said she has only watched part of Scary Movie, but she feels flattered by the reference. Campbell noted that if someone is impersonating or parodying you, it usually means you have made an impact. In her view, even when people are making fun of someone, it often reflects that the original work was widely enjoyed.
Faris is returning as Cindy Campbell in Scary Movie 6, which is now in theaters. The new film again parodies the Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer franchises, along with several other recent horror titles. The latest installment continues the series’ long-running formula of spoofing popular horror movies while bringing back familiar characters and cast members.
