Anna Faris has been a gamer since at least 2003, and says that’s when she “got into puzzles.”
“But now you can play it on your phone,” she told me.
I’m speaking to the “The House Bunny” and “Mom” star just days before she’s scheduled 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 dons the Bubblegum Troll costume from Candy Crush before removing her mask for the big reveal.
“I was thinking about this in terms of my sister’s thoughts,” Faris says. “I have an older brother. My personality, my pride, my sense of justice all come from having an older brother. I’d like to think Bubblegum Troll represents the same thing, just a little mischievous. Bubblegum Troll might hide a vassal just because it’s unpleasant. I think vassals are a bit old-fashioned, don’t you think? I should say Invisalign.”
Faris has been away from the spotlight in recent years, but she is set to make a big return to theaters in June when she reprises her role as Cindy Campbell in the sixth installment of the “Scary Movies” series. The first film, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and released in 2000, became the highest-grossing R-rated horror film of all time. The film’s opening gross was $42.5 million, making it the highest debut for an R-rated horror film and a black director at the time.
How often do you play Candy Crush?
Whenever I have to wait for my 13-year-old son (with ex-husband Chris Pratt and son Jack) to pick up his backpack and put on his shoes.
Is your son allowed to play?
he is cleared to play. He just got his first phone.
Is he with you when you run around the court as the Bubblegum Troll?
yes. He has to testify against his mother as the Bubblegum Troll.
How do I prepare to play Bubblegum Troll at a Clippers game?
I wear something that fits my body underneath so that it’s easy to take off the costume. That’s what I really thought when I thought of this with my sister’s idea. I have an older brother. My character, pride, and sense of justice all stem from having an older brother, and I think Bubblegum Troll represents the same thing. Just a little mischievous. As you know, Bubblegum Trolls may hide their vassals simply to cause discomfort. Retainers seem a little outdated. It should be called Invisalign.
Now we have to talk about “Scary Movies”, Cindy is back.
Cindy is back and we are so excited. I never expected something like this to happen.
How did it come about? Will Marlon Wayans call you and ask you to come back?
That’s exactly what happened. In February of 2025, he called me and said, “We’re trying to get the gang back together.” I couldn’t believe it. So, I feel happy that this has happened in this way. I became very emotional. I feel like I’m finally in a place where I can really appreciate them, where I can say to Keenan (Ivory Wayans), “You changed my life.” It was very important as opposed to remembering how scared I was in the early days. That was incredible for me. I don’t know many people who can have the life experience of such a beautiful reunion. The fact that the audience seems hungry for it is thrilling. I myself never imagined something like this.
Were you sent a script first or did you sign on without seeing it?
With “Scary Movie,” you get sent the script, but you know things are going to change. It was always a collaborative team spirit. I understand that they may change the content, modify some jokes, or add their own jokes. But the script they sent me before all the details were worked out was great.
The film’s tagline in the trailer is “Every line can be crossed.” Was there a moment when you were reading the script or filming your mouth on the floor where you thought, “I can’t believe I’m going there?”
No, it was broken into. I remember reading the first draft of Scary Movie on the plane from Los Angeles to Vancouver, where we were going to shoot this movie. I had no idea what I was going to do. She is showered with her boyfriend’s semen up to the ceiling. It might be better to make this a little more PG. Sorry, Candy Crush people. Anyway, let’s just say that Cindy Campbell got some revenge and it felt incredible.
The “Scary Movies” series is pure fun and fun.
I spent the early part of my career here in Los Angeles and was very confused as to why I was doing comedy. I had never done comedy before. I sometimes felt angry that I couldn’t even get an audition for something dramatic when it was the only theater I knew. But I think it’s great to be able to bring joy to others. I feel so happy to be at a stage in my life where I can see people smile when they look at me and think about the ridiculous things I’ve done.
Marlon said he hopes “Scary Movies” ends cancel culture. Do you think that will happen?
I don’t know. Especially with Cindy Campbell, I think she succeeded in blurring the lines and confusing people. That’s what I expect.
Everyone seems to be a target in the new movie.
I think so. That would be interesting. I hope people like it. We want people to have a shared experience of laughter and fun.
A “scary movie” is something you watch at a movie theater.
When I took my mom to see the first movie at the Linwood Mall theater in Washington state, the theater was packed. It was so rough that I sat her down on the aisle and said, “Do as I say. If I say, ‘Go to the bathroom,’ you just get up and go. Don’t ask any questions.”
Is your son allowed to watch new movies?
Yeah. Is it terrible? But I feel like that’s part of it. He was on set. I’m not sure I can tell all parents that they should show their 13-year-old this movie, but I feel like his situation is a little different.
And then there’s Toy Story 5.
No, it’s just a rumor. I’m not among them. I wish that was the case. I love voice work, but no, that was just a rumor on the internet. My mom and dad called me and were like, “Are you in it?” I thought, “No, but I wish I had.”
This Q&A has been edited for length and clarity.
