Amanda Seyfried has reignited discussions about the 2009 cult classic film, Jennifer's Body, voicing her fondness for the original while criticizing the marketing that she believes tarnished its reputation. In a recent interview with GQ on March 22, 2025, Seyfried, who portrayed Needy Lesnicki in the film, expressed her strong belief that the movie is "perfect," saying, "I can’t critique this movie. To me, it’s perfect. It’s got balls. Diablo Cody was outspoken and beautiful and smart and funny." These remarks come amid renewed interest in the film, which has gained a significant following over the years despite a rocky initial reception.
Seyfried reflected on the film's unique blend of horror and comedy, emphasizing the stellar craftsmanship behind it. "We were expressing a certain angst in a very specific, comedic way in a very specific genre. The special effects were so incredible; there were stunts, there was everything you could want," she shared. However, she quickly pointed to the marketing team's approach, which she deemed a detrimental factor in how the film was perceived upon release: "If the critics criticize anything, it would be the marketing. The marketing sucked, it just did. And we all agree."
The film, written by Oscar-winning screenwriter Diablo Cody and directed by Karyn Kusama, was marketed heavily towards a male audience, often exploiting Megan Fox's sex appeal rather than highlighting the film's deeper themes of female friendship and empowerment. Reflecting on this misguided marketing, Seyfried remarked, "The marketing team cheapened it like it was just a gory romp. I think they ruined it, and I think Karyn and Diablo were a really good team. I love Needy."
Despite the film's initial struggles, which left it with a low 46% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes and a modest box office performance against a $16 million budget, Seyfried noted the growing cult status it has achieved over the last decade, asserting that it deserved better recognition for its content. "It wasn’t just a horror film; it had substance, and it tackled themes that resonated with many, especially women."
Furthermore, Seyfried hinted at her excitement for a potential sequel, stating, "I’m looking forward to the sequel. They’re working on it. I already said thumbs up. I was like, ‘Whenever you’re ready, I’m ready.’" She showed enthusiasm not only for the chance to reprise her role but also for the possibility of Needy being portrayed in a more powerful position. "I wanna see Needy in a power position. Not necessarily in a power suit, but in a power position. Maybe she runs her branch of Planned Parenthood or something. She's a badass. And I don’t know, where would Megan be?" she mused, applying some humor to her reflections on character development, despite the fate of Jennifer, Fox's character, from the original film.
This exploration of a sequel idea ties into a larger narrative concerning how Jennifer's Body is increasingly viewed as not just a horror classic, but also a significant piece of feminist film history. Both Seyfried and Cody have spoken warmly of the movie's legacy, with Cody previously voicing her own aspirations for a sequel. “I want to do a sequel. I am not done with Jennifer's Body. That's my baby,” Cody expressed, indicating a desire for follow-ups that would more adequately showcase the film's true essence and themes.
In many ways, the re-evaluation of Jennifer's Body underscores a broader trend in Hollywood, where films that were initially dismissed have been reassessed in the light of changing cultural values and viewer perceptions. Seyfried's comments serve not just as a critique of past marketing strategies but highlight a moment of introspection regarding how female-led stories are represented in media.
Still, the echo of Jennifer's Body continues to resonate, as highlighted by Seyfried's parting thoughts on Fox's character, "She’s kind of dead, right? But is she? I don’t think she is." This whimsical uncertainty underscores the potential for a sequel that could delve into the lore of its characters, providing fans with the continuation of their stories that they desire while also redefining what it means to be a horror film that centers women—this time, on their own terms.
As the film continues to gain traction and find new audiences through various streaming platforms, both Seyfried's reflections and Cody's ambitions paint an exciting picture for the future of Jennifer's Body. With the foundations of a sequel being discussed, fans are left to wonder what new twists and turns await their beloved characters.
