Working with Anthony Anderson on “King’s Ransom” reminded Hall of the improv work she'd done with the Wayans Brothers on the “Scary Movie” franchise. “The great thing is that having done one of my first movies with the Wayans, I was used to improv. And on ’Malibu’s Most Wanted’, Anthony improv’d the whole time on ‘Malibu’s’ so I was used to him. And then I worked with Mike Epps who always improv’d. You’ve got to be prepared to just go off the cuff with those guys. [Laughing] Guys like that, they never stick to script. They’re funnier than what’s written,” said Hall.
Hall said the entire cast had a blast on the set of "King's Ransom" and credits first-time director Jeff Byrd with making everyone feel at ease. Commenting on her director, Hall said, “He was amazing and I think that was a big part of how much fun we had. He and Anthony together, they just set the tone. It was such a nice environment. We had a good time.”
Regina Hall confessed that while she doesn’t know anyone as dumb as her “King’s Ransom” character in real life, she did study one famous blonde to get into the character of Peaches. “I watched ‘Some Like It Hot’ with Marilyn Monroe and I kind of looked at how everybody thought she was so sexy but she was so unaware of it. I kind of wanted to make her not overtly sexy, kind of unaware of her [appeal]. She doesn’t have much else going for her but I wanted to make her unaware of that.”
Next up for Regina Hall is yet another comedy. Hall will play Trixie in the upcoming theatrical version of the classic sitcom, “The Honeymooners.” Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, and Gabrielle Union fill the other lead roles in the Paramount Pictures’ film, set for release in June 2005.
Hall says that while there’s a drama somewhere in her future, she’s happy to be working in comedies. And speaking of work, it appears her “King’s Ransom” director has Hall in mind for another project he’s dying to do. Director Jeff Byrd wants to do a remake of “Cleopatra Jones,” the 1973 action film which starred Tamara Dobson. Byrd thinks Regina Hall would be perfect for the role of Cleopatra. Asked if she’d consider taking on the part, Hall said, “Yeah, if it were done the right way. Maybe not as a drama, you know what I mean? Maybe with a little twist. Maybe she should be like a black Cleopatra Jones, give her a little ethnic flare.”
