A Beloved '90s TV Star Almost Played Anna Faris' Iconic Role in the Original 'Scary Movie'
One of comedy's most iconic roles almost went to a different star.
During a recent interview, Anna Faris asked Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans whether any celebrity ever "desperately wanted to be in a Scary Movie" but got a hard no. Marlon's answer caught her off guard: Melissa Joan Hart, then a teen-TV favorite from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, was originally supposed to play Cindy, the breakout role that made Faris a star.
"Melissa Joan Hart. She was supposed to play Anna's part," Marlon said, as Faris and his brother reacted in disbelief.
How Anna Faris Got the Role
The switch came down to the Wayans' older brother, Keenen Ivory Wayans, who directed the original 2000 film. He pushed for Faris after seeing her audition. "Keenen was like, 'I saw this young lady Anna Faris, and it really feels like that's our Cindy,'" Marlon recalled. Faris went on to become the face of the franchise.
Related: That ‘Scary Movie 6' Popcorn Bucket Might Be Highly Illegal in Some States
'Scary Movie 6' Breaks a Franchise Record
The throwback comes at a fitting moment. Scary Movie 6 just scared up a franchise-best $56 million opening this weekend, the biggest debut in the series' 26-year history. The Paramount and Miramax release is the first new entry since 2013's Scary Movie 5, this time spoofing recent horror hits like Sinners and The Substance.
Faris, the Wayans brothers, Regina Hall and other original stars all returned for the sequel. As for Hart, fans can only imagine what her Cindy might have looked like.
Next: Demi Moore Reunites With Former Co-Star From 1993 Hit Film for Emotional New Project
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published June 6, 2026 at 8:37 PM.