Megan Fox is revisiting a dark chapter of her career with newfound clarity and candor. At a special screening of the cult classic Jennifer’s Body at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the actress opened up about the film’s unique role in helping her survive the emotional toll of early stardom.
Fox, who was catapulted into fame after starring in Transformers, recalled the overwhelming scrutiny she faced from the paparazzi in 2009. She recounted a harrowing experience at the premiere of Jennifer’s Body, where photographers hurled degrading comments at her. Far from a glamorous red carpet affair, the moment underscored the rampant misogyny she endured during her rise to fame.
“I was trying to get to my car,” Fox remembered, “and all I heard were taunts questioning my worth.” Those brutal encounters, she said, left her filled with grief, rage, and sorrow — emotions that ultimately fueled her performance as Jennifer, a high school cheerleader possessed by a demon.
For Fox, the film became more than a role; it was a release. She described it as an opportunity to channel her inner turmoil and embrace a darker, wilder version of herself — a rare space where she could be “unhinged” without judgment. Her connection to the script ran deep, particularly the notion of being sacrificed for someone else’s gain — a theme that eerily paralleled her early experiences in Hollywood.
Director Karyn Kusama, who joined Fox at the screening, echoed her sentiments. She praised the actress’s comedic timing and intelligence, lamenting how both were ignored or dismissed by the media and the industry. Kusama acknowledged that the role of Jennifer offered Fox a space to reclaim some of the power taken from her.
In a promising twist, Kusama confirmed that Diablo Cody, who wrote the original screenplay, is currently crafting a sequel. While details remain under wraps, Kusama assured fans it will be just as bold and irreverent as the original.
Jennifer’s Body tells the story of Jennifer and her best friend Needy, played by Amanda Seyfried, as their high school bond is tested by a supernatural horror. Initially underappreciated upon release, the film has since become a feminist horror staple, celebrated for its sharp commentary and satirical edge.
Now, 14 years later, Fox’s personal reflections offer new depth to a film that was always more than just blood and bite.