At a recent screening of her 2009 cult classic Jennifer’s Body, Megan Fox shared painful memories of facing hostile paparazzi at the film’s original premiere. The actress described being verbally attacked while simply trying to do her job, revealing how the film provided a cathartic outlet for her during a difficult period in her career.
The “Ruthless” Premiere Experience
During a special screening event at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 25, 2025, Fox recalled the intense scrutiny she faced from paparazzi at the 2009 premiere of Jennifer’s Body. She described the photographers as “ruthless” in their treatment of women, sharing specific insults shouted at her as she attempted to leave the event.
Fox remembered the experience vividly: “I just left a premiere for something where I had to go — I’m obligated to go — and I remember the paparazzi were so ruthless back then — the way they would talk to women. And I walked out just to try to get to my car, and they’re all shooting. And one guy’s like, ‘Megan, why are you such a bitch?’ And another guy is like, ‘Megan, do you think you’re overrated? The internet says so,’ and I’m just trying to do my job.”
The actress emphasized that she was simply trying to fulfill her professional obligations, stating, “I was asked to be at this premiere. I’m trying to get to my car. And so I had all of this grief and sorrow and also anger and rage that needed a place to go.”
Finding Catharsis Through Her Character
Fox explained how playing the role of Jennifer in the horror-comedy provided an essential outlet for the emotions she was experiencing due to her treatment in the industry. She described the character as allowing her to express parts of herself that society typically discourages women from showing.
“Being able to just have the permission to be unhinged even in between takes or maybe the entire time we were there, that was very cathartic for me,” Fox shared about the filming experience.
The actress connected deeply with her character’s journey, particularly the theme of being sacrificed for others’ gain. She noted, “I read the script and I think it just resonated with me because there’s something about that, whether it’s just perceived or not, I felt like I was being persecuted at that time in my career, and I was struggling a lot with fame and kind of traumatized by fame.”
Fox elaborated on this connection: “Before she becomes a monster, she’s just a teenage girl who gets sacrificed for somebody else’s gain. And that very much resonated because that’s kind of how I came into this industry. I think I was 19 when I made my first big movie, and that, I felt like, was reflecting back these energies that existed inside of myself.”
A Difficult Career Period
Fox characterized her mindset during the Jennifer’s Body era as particularly challenging, describing herself at the time as “so lost, so full of that rage that I had towards how I had been treated in the industry.” When asked if she would give advice to her younger self, Fox responded that she wouldn’t, explaining that her difficult emotions ultimately contributed to her powerful performance.
“That was very healing for me because I was really struggling at that time. And if I had been able to warn myself or give myself advice or have any sort of grounding or clarity, I don’t think you would’ve gotten the performance that you got,” Fox stated.
Director Karyn Kusama, who also attended the screening event, reflected on the mistreatment Fox received from media during that period. She acknowledged that Fox was “clearly dismissed, attacked, mistrusted somehow for not just staying in her place” and noted that the role spoke to something the actress needed to express given how she had been treated professionally.
The Legacy of Jennifer’s Body
Despite initially performing poorly at the box office and receiving mixed reviews, Jennifer’s Body has since gained recognition as a cult classic and feminist film. The movie stars Fox as a popular high school student who becomes possessed and begins killing her male classmates, with Amanda Seyfried co-starring as her best friend Needy.
The film has experienced a significant critical reassessment in recent years, with many appreciating its themes and messaging that were overlooked during its initial release. Fox has previously suggested that the movie’s initial failure was connected to backlash against her public image at the time, including controversial comments she made about director Michael Bay that led to her character being written out of the Transformers franchise.
At the recent event, Fox wore a striking nude corset dress with blood-red boning and beaded details, continuing her tradition of bold fashion choices. The screening comes as writer Diablo Cody is reportedly working on a follow-up to the film, which Kusama described as “fun and crazy” like the original.
The event provided a full-circle moment for Fox, allowing her to reflect on her journey with the film that has since become a beloved cult favorite despite the personal and professional challenges she faced during its original release.
Also Read: Megan Fox Found Catharsis and Healing in Cult Classic ‘Jennifer’s Body’ Role
