IN CONVERSATION WITH REGINA HALL

interview by JANA LETONJA

Regina Hall returns to one of her most iconic roles this summer with Scary Movie 6, hitting theatres on 5th June, marking a highly anticipated comeback to the beloved Scary Movie that helped define a generation of comedy. An award-winning actress and producer, she has built a dynamic career spanning blockbuster hits, critically acclaimed dramas, and standout television performances. Most recently, she starred in One Battle After Another, a global success that earned multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture, further solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile and sought-after talents. From her unforgettable turn as Brenda to acclaimed roles in Support the Girls and Girls Trip, Regina continues to seamlessly balance commercial success with critical recognition, while also expanding her influence as a producer across film, television, and streaming.

You’re returning to the Scary Movie franchise. What can fans expect from revisiting that iconic role?

You know, it’s great. I think one of the things I love most is that we have everyone from the original cast returning. Fans can expect that original chemistry and fun between Cindy and Brenda, while also seeing where these characters are in their lives now. Brenda’s a mom now.  I don’t know that she’s a very good mom, but she’s definitely a mother, and there’s a whole new generation of kids involved.

What was your first reaction when you were asked to return as Brenda in Scary Movie 6?

I was like, “They’re doing another one?” I was definitely surprised. But I was happy when I found out the original gang was returning, and I was curious to read the script and see how they were going to embrace what’s new while still keeping what fans found so endearing about the originals.

How does it feel stepping back into such an iconic comedic role after so many years?

At first, I was a little trepidatious, but Brenda is the character I’ve played more than any other in my career, so it ended up feeling very natural. Having Anna there as Cindy made it even easier. Brenda may not be the world’s greatest best friend, but she loves Cindy in her own way. Once we started filming, it all came back very naturally. Brenda just returned instantly.

full look LAQUAN SMITH
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR

coat REVOLVE LOS ANGELES

What has changed the most about your approach to comedy since the earlier Scary Movie films?

I don’t know that that much has changed. I think you just become more comfortable and freer over time. Comedy is really about being in the moment and ad-libbing, especially in a broad comedy like Scary Movie. I think comedy itself has changed more than my approach has. You don’t see as many broad comedies anymore, so it was fun to do something unapologetic and irreverent again. A lot of comedies today are a bit more conscious, so getting to lean into something this outrageous was really refreshing.

Can you tease how Scary Movie 6 updates its humour for today’s audiences?

I don’t want to give too much away, but we definitely touch on a lot of things happening in today’s culture. What I’ve always loved about the Wayans’ humour is that they target everyone, which in a way means they target no one specifically. They find clever ways to explore the humour in things without necessarily making fun of them directly. It’s definitely irreverent, very much in the spirit of the originals.

What makes Brenda such a fun character for you to play?

Oh God, Brenda is just so unapologetically herself. She’s loud, obnoxious, selfish. Honestly, a terrible friend to Cindy at times, but somehow you still love her. She’s wild, free, inappropriate in every possible setting, and completely unpredictable. What’s been especially fun this time is seeing her evolution, or maybe lack thereof, as a mom. Watching Brenda navigate motherhood while still being very much Brenda was hilarious to me.

dress COURRÈGES from FWRD
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR
shoes STEVE MADDEN

One Battle After Another has been such a major success. What initially drew you to the project and your character?

I’m a huge Paul Thomas Anderson fan, so getting the chance to work with him was exciting immediately. I’d also never really played someone as grounded as Deandra before, so it was interesting that Paul saw me in that role. I loved the cast, the story, and the opportunity to grow as an artist by doing something completely different. Deandra is basically the polar opposite of Brenda. Brenda would have gotten everyone killed somehow, while still saving herself.  I think there was a beautiful kind of selflessness to the character that I really responded to.

You’ve received multiple award nominations for your recent performance. How do you reflect on that recognition at this stage in your career?

It’s always flattering and humbling when people connect with your work and consider it worthy of recognition. That cast was such an incredible ensemble, and I loved working with everyone involved. We had amazing new talent alongside actors whose work I’ve admired for years. It was exciting to see not only the cast but also the crew — our DP, editor, music, sound team — all acknowledged for the work they put into the film. And it was wonderful seeing Paul win his first Academy Award.

What excites you most about your upcoming series The Five-Star Weekend?

It’s such a beautiful story about friendship, forgiveness, and love. I’m really excited for people to see Jennifer Garner in this because she does an incredible job, and she’s also producing it. Fans of Elin Hilderbrand’s books are going to love seeing these characters come to life on screen. It’s always exciting when one of her novels gets adapted, and I’m especially looking forward to longtime fans experiencing this story in a new way.

You’re also starring in Judgment Day. What can you share about that project?

One of the most exciting parts was getting to work with people I’ve admired for so long, like Will Ferrell and Zac Efron. They’re so naturally funny, and I feel like I always learn something when I work with comedians like that. I’m also a huge fan of the director, Nicholas Stoller. It was another great opportunity to return to comedy, though it’s very different from the broad style of Scary Movie. Whenever I get the chance to do a good comedy, I try to take it.

Your production company has been very active. What kinds of stories are you most passionate about producing right now?

We’re excited about a really wide range of projects across television and film. Some are based on real-life stories and perspectives that aren’t always represented. I’m interested in stories that create connection, stories that surprise people with how deeply they resonate. Of course, we still love comedy and genre projects too, including horror. Ultimately, we just want to tell memorable stories with great people both in front of and behind the camera.

left
full look ALEXANDER WANG
earrings ALEXIS BITTAR

right
blazer REVOLVE LOS ANGELES from FWRD
earring ALEXIS BITTAR
tights WOLFORD

How do you stay creatively fulfilled after so many years in the industry?

I think a lot of it comes from always looking forward and continuing to be part of stories and collaborations where I’m still learning from the people around me. Every time I feel like I’m learning something new, it keeps me excited. There’s always something that keeps me on my toes and pushes me a little outside my comfort zone, and I think that’s really important creatively.

Producing has also been incredibly fulfilling because it can take such a long time to bring a story to life. There’s something really exciting about being on that journey and finally seeing projects come to fruition. We’re especially excited about what this next year is going to bring because we’ll finally get to share some of the things we’ve been working on for a long time.

That sense of challenge and gratification is what keeps everything exciting for me. I genuinely love what I do in all facets of the industry, and having the right team around me has been incredibly important, both on set and at RH Negative. As a company, we’ve grown a lot, we’ve learned a lot, and we work really hard. It’s exciting to finally feel like we’re building something meaningful together.

What’s next for you that audiences might be surprised by?

Right now, I’m working on a limited series with Philip Barantini, whose work I really admire after Adolescence. It also stars Adam Driver and is written by Peter Craig. It’s a completely different kind of role for me, and I think the storytelling and filmmaking are really exciting and unique. The show is called Rabbit Rabbit for Netflix, and I’m very excited about it. We also have some projects coming from RH Negative that I can’t announce yet, but there’s a lot ahead that I’m excited for people to see.

dress CHRISTIAN SIRIANO
ring ALEXIS BITTAR
shoes STEVE MADDEN

monster
coat REVOLVE LOS ANGELES

TEAM CREDITS:

talent REGINA HALL
creative director / photographer TYLER PATRICK KENNY
stylist LUCA FALCIONI
hair OSCAR JAMES
makeup JAMAL SCOTT
producer JAY SIVAYAVIROJNA
photography assistants EDWARD BAEZ, MEGAN SHEEHEE, LUCA THALEMANN, TALYSSA BARBOSA
styling assistant EMILIANO VILLA
male model ISAIAH HAMILTON with U MODELS
sfx artist JOEY ELLIOT
sfx assisting artist LILY ESTELLE
studio hosts ANN LAWLOR & JULIE STAHL
studio BLONDE + CO STUDIO
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN