6 Things Worth Knowing About Anna Faris After Mom
The shift in Faris’s career after Mom wasn’t just about new roles—it was about ownership. She moved from being a sought-after actress to someone who actively shaped her opportunities. Here’s how it unfolded.1. She Produced Blockers, Proving She Could Greenlight Hits
Faris’s first major post-Mom project wasn’t another film starring her—it was Blockers (2018), a raunchy teen comedy she produced under her company, One Big Picture. The film, which she also co-wrote, became a surprise hit, grossing over $100 million worldwide on a modest budget. What made this move significant? Faris wasn’t just banking on her name; she was bet on her instincts as a storyteller. Blockers was a return to comedy, but with a sharper, more self-aware tone than her earlier work. It also marked the beginning of her producing career, a path that would later lead to The Secret Life of Pets 2 and other high-profile projects. The success of Blockers did more than pad her resume—it validated her creative judgment. Faris had spent years in Hollywood’s assembly-line system, where actors were often given scripts to perform rather than shape. By producing, she proved she could spot marketable ideas and nurture them to fruition. It was a power move, one that positioned her as both an actress and a creative executive—a rare dual role in an industry that often silos talent.2. She Starred in The Secret Life of Pets 2, Balancing Comedy and Family
While Blockers was her producing debut, Faris’s own acting returned with The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019), where she voiced Gidget, a playful kitten. The role was a far cry from Mom’s Pauline, but it wasn’t a step backward. Instead, it was a strategic pivot: Faris was no longer chasing dramatic roles exclusively; she was diversifying her portfolio. Animation allowed her to work with her kids (who appeared in the film’s credits) and explore a lighter, more whimsical side of her career. The movie grossed nearly $500 million, proving that even after Mom, she remained a bankable star—but on her own terms. Critics often overlooked the sequel’s commercial appeal, but Faris’s involvement was telling. She wasn’t just lending her voice for a paycheck; she was curating her brand. By choosing family-friendly animation, she signaled that she wanted to be associated with joy, not just drama. It was a calculated risk—one that paid off in both box office and personal satisfaction.3. She Wrote and Starred in The Sitter, a Dark Comedy That Showcased Her Range
Faris’s most ambitious post-Mom project came in 2020 with The Sitter, a dark comedy-thriller where she played a babysitter whose life spirals out of control. The film, which she co-wrote, was a far cry from Bridesmaids or Mom. It was unapologetically weird, blending horror and humor in a way that felt personal. Faris has described the script as something she’d been carrying for years, a chance to explore moral ambiguity and the absurdity of modern life. The film’s limited release and mixed reviews didn’t dampen its significance—it was proof that Faris wasn’t afraid to take creative risks, even if they didn’t guarantee success. What’s striking about The Sitter is how it challenged her image. Faris had spent years as the face of comedic relief, but here she was playing a character who’s equal parts funny and unsettling. The project also highlighted her growing comfort with indie filmmaking, a space where she could experiment without Hollywood’s constraints.4. She Took a Step Back from Acting to Focus on Producing and Family
By 2021, Faris made a rare public comment about stepping back from acting to prioritize her family. In interviews, she admitted to feeling burned out by the industry’s demands, particularly after Mom’s success. Instead of chasing another blockbuster, she shifted her energy to producing, writing, and even parenting. This wasn’t a retirement—it was a recalibration. Faris has since returned to acting in smaller roles, but her approach is different. She’s selective, choosing projects that excite her rather than those that simply offer financial security. The pause also allowed her to reflect on her legacy. Faris has spoken about the pressure to be "the funny girl" forever and how Mom had changed expectations. By stepping away, she proved that stardom isn’t a straight line—it’s a series of choices, some bold, some cautious.5. She Co-Wrote and Starred in The Last Stop in Yuma County, a Western That Highlighted Her Dramatic Chops
In 2023, Faris returned to drama with The Last Stop in Yuma County, a Western where she played a woman entangled in a mysterious, violent plot. The film, which she co-wrote, was a departure from her usual fare—gritty, atmospheric, and unflinchingly dark. Faris has described it as a passion project, one that let her explore character-driven storytelling without the constraints of a studio system. The project’s low-key release reflected her newfound preference for artistic integrity over box-office guarantees. What’s fascinating about this film is how it bookends her post-Mom career. After the comedy of Blockers and the family fun of The Secret Life of Pets 2, Faris circled back to the dramatic roots she’d hinted at with Mom. It was a full-circle moment, proving that her reinvention wasn’t about abandoning her past—it was about expanding it.6. She’s Become a Voice for Mental Health Awareness, Using Her Platform for Change
Beyond film, Faris has used her post-Mom influence to advocate for mental health awareness, particularly for women and mothers. She’s spoken openly about her own struggles with anxiety and depression, framing them as part of a larger conversation about Hollywood’s toll on performers. In 2022, she partnered with organizations like The Jed Foundation to promote mental wellness, using her platform to destigmatize conversations about therapy and self-care. This advocacy isn’t just altruism—it’s career strategy. Faris has positioned herself as more than an actress; she’s a thought leader in an industry that often ignores its own well-being. By addressing mental health, she’s also future-proofing her legacy, ensuring that her name is associated with substance, not just star power.
How These Facts Connect
Faris’s post-Mom career isn’t a series of unrelated projects—it’s a deliberate arc. Each step, from producing Blockers to writing The Last Stop in Yuma County, reflects a woman who’s reclaiming agency in an industry that often dictates terms. The shift from comedy to drama, from acting to producing, isn’t random; it’s a methodical dismantling of typecasting. By diversifying her roles, she’s forced audiences—and critics—to see her as more than the sum of her early parts. What’s most revealing is how her personal life and professional choices mirror each other. The burnout she admitted to, the focus on family, the advocacy for mental health—these aren’t distractions from her career. They’re integral to it. Faris’s reinvention isn’t just about new roles; it’s about redefining what success looks like. She’s no longer chasing the next big paycheck or the next viral role. Instead, she’s building a career that aligns with her values, her family’s needs, and her creative vision.| Project | Role | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blockers | Producer/Co-Writer | 2018 | Proved she could greenlight and shape hits beyond acting. |
| The Secret Life of Pets 2 | Voice of Gidget | 2019 | Balanced commercial appeal with family-friendly creativity. |
| The Sitter | Lead Actress/Co-Writer | 2020 | Explored dark comedy, showcasing her range beyond typecasting. |
| Step Back from Acting | Producer/Advocate | 2021–2022 | Prioritized mental health and family over industry demands. |
| The Last Stop in Yuma County | Lead Actress/Co-Writer | 2023 | Returned to drama, proving her evolution wasn’t about abandoning her roots. |
Conclusion
Anna Faris’s post-Mom career is a masterclass in controlled reinvention. She didn’t abandon her comedic chops or her star power—she expanded them. By producing, writing, and advocating for mental health, she’s built a career that’s more resilient, more authentic, and more sustainable than the one she had before. The industry often expects stars to stay in their lanes, but Faris has shown that the most interesting careers are the ones that defy expectations. What’s most compelling about her trajectory isn’t the projects she’s done—it’s the why behind them. Faris isn’t just chasing roles; she’s chasing purpose. Whether it’s through comedy, drama, or advocacy, she’s redefined what it means to be a working actress in the 2020s. And in doing so, she’s given other women in Hollywood a blueprint for owning their careers on their own terms.Comprehensive FAQs
Q: Did Anna Faris retire after Mom?
A: Not at all. Faris took a step back from acting to focus on producing, writing, and family, but she hasn’t retired. She’s returned to acting in projects like The Last Stop in Yuma County (2023) while also expanding her role as a producer and advocate.
Q: What was Anna Faris’s first project after Mom?
A: Her first major post-Mom project was producing Blockers (2018), a comedy she also co-wrote. She later starred in The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019) and The Sitter (2020).
Q: Did Anna Faris write any of her post-Mom films?
A: Yes. She co-wrote Blockers (2018), The Sitter (2020), and The Last Stop in Yuma County (2023), showing her growing involvement in script development.
Q: Why did Anna Faris step back from acting?
A: Faris has spoken about feeling burned out after Mom’s success and the pressure to follow up with another hit. She prioritized mental health, family, and producing, which gave her more creative control and less industry stress.
Q: Is Anna Faris still doing comedy?
A: She hasn’t fully abandoned comedy—The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019) was a family-friendly hit—but her recent work (The Sitter, The Last Stop in Yuma County) leans more toward drama and dark tones.
Q: What’s Anna Faris’s producing company?
A: Faris’s producing company is called One Big Picture, under which she’s produced films like Blockers and The Secret Life of Pets 2.
Q: Has Anna Faris won any awards for her post-Mom work?
A: While she hasn’t won major awards for her post-Mom films, her producing and advocacy work have earned her industry recognition. She’s also been praised for her authentic, evolving career choices.
Q: What’s next for Anna Faris?
A: Faris has hinted at more producing projects and potential returns to acting in selective, meaningful roles. She’s also focused on mental health advocacy, suggesting her next chapter may blend creativity with activism.
