Actress Megan Fox recently reflected on the intense scrutiny she faced from paparazzi during the height of her fame, revealing how the experience shaped her performance in the 2009 cult classic Jennifer’s Body. Speaking at a special screening at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures this past weekend, Fox candidly discussed the challenging period that defined her early career.
The 39-year-old actress, who had just achieved breakout success with Transformers in 2007, described herself during that time as “so lost, so full of that rage that I had towards how I had been treated in the industry.” During the Q&A session with director Karyn Kusama, Fox shared specific memories that illustrated the hostile environment she navigated as a young woman in Hollywood.
“I remember the paparazzi were so ruthless back then — the way they would talk to women,” Fox recalled. She went on to describe a particularly jarring incident at a premiere when photographers hurled insults while she attempted to reach her car. “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,” she said.
The actress explained how this constant harassment left her with overwhelming emotions that needed an outlet. “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,” Fox continued, adding that the film gave her “permission to be unhinged even in between takes or maybe the entire time we were there, that was very cathartic for me.”
Fox revealed that she deeply resonated with her character Jennifer, a popular high schooler who undergoes a demonic transformation outside her control after being sacrificed by a local indie rock band. The role allowed her to channel the darker emotions she was experiencing during her struggles with fame. “I was struggling a lot with fame,” Fox acknowledged, explaining that embodying “that darker feminine energy that no one really wants to allow” proved therapeutic.
Director Karyn Kusama also reflected on the mistreatment Fox received from the media at the time, telling People that Fox “was clearly dismissed, attacked, mistrusted somehow for not just staying in her place.” Kusama praised the actress’s intelligence and comedic talents, qualities that were often overlooked amid the intense public scrutiny.
The special screening brought exciting news for fans of the film. Kusama confirmed that writer Diablo Cody is penning a follow-up that is just as “fun and crazy” as the original sleeper hit. Meanwhile, Fox’s honest reflections provide valuable insight into the pressures young actresses faced during that era, sparking conversations about how the treatment of women in Hollywood has evolved since 2009.
Fox’s willingness to revisit this difficult chapter of her career demonstrates both personal growth and the enduring significance of Jennifer’s Body as a cultural touchstone. The film, initially underappreciated upon release, has since gained recognition for its sharp commentary on female objectification and the exploitation of young women in entertainment.
