Anna Faris has been sort of a gamer since at least 2003, when she says she “became crazy about puzzles.”
“But now I get to play them on my phone,” she tells me.
I am talking to “The House Bunny” and “Mom” star just a couple of days before she’s set to team up with Candy Crush to make a surprise appearance at a Los Angeles Clippers game. For the first half of the game, she will be dressed as the Candy Crush’s Bubblegum Troll before popping off her mask for the big reveal.
“I was thinking about this in terms of the little sister idea,” Faris says. “I have a big brother. My whole personality, my sense of pride, my sense of justice, all stem from having an older brother, and I like to think that Bubblegum Troll stands for the same things, but just a little mischievous. You know, Bubblegum Troll might hide your retainer just to be obnoxious. A retainer feels a little dated, doesn’t it? I should say Invisalign.”
While Faris has stepped away from the spotlight in recent years, she’ll make a big return to theaters in June when she reprises her role as Cindy Campbell in the sixth installment of the “Scary Movie” franchise. The first movie, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and released in 2000, was one of the highest-grossing R-rated horror movies of all time. The film opened at $42.5 million at the box office, which was the biggest debut for an R-rated horror movie and a Black director at that time.
Whenever I have to wait for my 13-year-old [son Jack, who she shares with ex-husband Chriss Pratt] to get his backpack, to put his shoes on.
He is allowed to play. He just got his first phone.
Will he be with you when you’re running around the court as the Bubblegum Troll?
Yes. He must bear witness to his mother as the Bubblegum Troll.
How does one prepare to play Bubblegum Troll at a Clippers game?
I wear something form-fitting underneath so my costume can come off easily. I really meant it when I was thinking about this in terms of the little sister idea. I do have a big brother. My whole personality, my sense of pride, my sense of justice, all stem from having an older brother, and I like to think that Bubblegum Troll stands for the same things, just a little mischievous. You know, Bubblegum Troll might hide your retainer just to be obnoxious. A retainer feels a little dated, doesn’t it? I should say Invisalign.
Now we have to talk about “Scary Movie,” Cindy is back.
Cindy’s back, and I’m so excited. I never thought it would happen like this.
How did it come about? Does Marlon Wayans call you and ask you to come back?
That’s exactly what happened. In February of 2025, he called me, and he said, “We’re getting the gang back together.” I couldn’t believe it. So, for this to happen in this way has been euphoric for me. I’ve been so sentimental. I feel like I’m finally in a place where I could really thank them, where I could tell Keenan [Ivory Wayans], “You’ve changed my life.” It was so pivotal as opposed to remembering how terrified I was back in those early days. It has been incredible for me. I don’t know too many people who get to have this life experience where it’s this kind of beautiful reunion. The fact that the audience seems hungry for it, it’s thrilling. I did not imagine this for myself.
Did they send you a script first, or did you sign on without seeing one?
With the “Scary Movies,” you do get sent a script, but you know that things are going to change. It’s always been a collaborative team spirit. You understand that they’re going to be changing things, modifying some jokes, adding your own. But the script they sent me before all the details have been ironed out was great.
The tagline for the movie in the trailer is, “Every line will be crossed.” Were there moments when you were reading the script or even filming where your mouth is on the floor, and you’re going, “I can’t believe we’re going there”?
No, I’ve been broken in. I remember reading the shooting draft of the first “Scary Movie” on the plane from L.A. to Vancouver, about to shoot this movie. I had no idea what I was about to do. I’m getting sprayed to the ceiling with my boyfriend’s sperm. I should probably make this a little more PG. I’m so sorry, Candy Crush people. Anyway, let’s just say that Cindy Campbell gets a degree of revenge, and that felt incredible.
The “Scary Movie” franchise is just pure fun and joy.
I spent the early part of my career here in L.A. being very confused about why I was in comedy. I’d never done comedy. I felt at times resentful that I couldn’t even get an audition for anything dramatic when that was the only theater that I knew. But it feels so good to be able to give joy to people. I’m at a stage in life where getting to see people smile when they see me, when they think about something ridiculous that I’ve done, feels great.
Marlon has said that he hopes “Scary Movie” cancels cancel culture. Do you think it will?
I don’t know. I think we succeeded in really blurring the line and confusing people, especially around Cindy Campbell. That’s what I’m hoping for.
I think so. It’ll be interesting. I hope people love it. I hope people have a communal experience of laughter and fun.
“Scary Movies” are meant to be seen in a theater.
When I took my mom to see the first one in the theaters at Lynwood Mall in Washington State, the theater was packed. It was so rowdy, and I sat her on the aisle, and I said, “You must do as I say. When I say, ‘Go to the bathroom,’ you just get up and go to the bathroom. Don’t ask any questions.”
Yeah. Is that awful? I just feel like it’s such a part of it. He was on set. I don’t know if I would tell every parent they should let their 13-year -old, see it, but I do feel like his situation is a little different.
No, that’s just a rumor. I’m not in it. I wish I was. I love doing voice work, but no, that was an internet rumor. My mom and dad called me, and they’re like, “You’re in it?” I was like, “No, but I wish I was.”