Hollywood actress Anna Faris has been spotted in New Zealand for a new film, years after she was “banned” from entering the country

Hollywood actress Anna Faris, known for her roles in… Scary movie And just friendswas spotted by fans traveling through Wellington Airport today despite claims she was previously “banned” from entering the country.

The 47-year-old star is currently in the country shooting the film object, Production began in the capital last week.

Faris and her husband were spotted by three fans leaving the arrivals hall at Wellington Airport just before 1pm today.

Palmerston North local Ashley, who had a brief interaction with Rabbit house The star said to Announce Fares was kind and warm towards her fans approaching her.

“No one seemed to notice them, it was just me and two other girls who wanted to take a selfie with her.

“I recognized her voice before I turned around and saw her.

“I just asked if I could take a selfie with her and she said: ‘Yes, no problem.’ I said: ‘Thank you, enjoy your stay’ and she said: ‘You’re welcome and thank you’ with a big smile.

object It is directed by Oscar-nominated New Zealand director Andrew Nicol, who grew up in Paraparaumu.

Faris claims the former prime minister “banned” her from entering New Zealand

Faris’s appearance in New Zealand may have surprised some fans after she previously claimed she was banned from entering New Zealand after filming a movie Yogi Bear In 2010.

Speaking to Justin Long on his Life is Short podcast in 2019, the actress claimed she was banned in 2010 for offending the country, which surprised then-Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key.

“Did I ever tell you how I got kicked out of New Zealand?” Knight Long asked during their conversation. “I didn’t get fired, that sounds very exciting.

“I have received a letter from the New Zealand Minister of Tourism that I am no longer welcome in their country.”

Faris claimed she was banned from entering New Zealand after she criticized the country following a negative experience she had while filming here.

The 47-year-old explained that she was returning home after a Queens of the Stone Age concert when she was mocked and verbally berated.

“I was walking back, and this shouldn’t be an important detail, but I feel the societal pressure to make this a detail. I was wearing jeans and a T-shirt and a backpack. And this car goes by and these guys are screaming like, ‘Show us your tits!'” but in a New Zealand accent.

She said it “felt a bit random” until a second car drove by and she shouted: “We want to fuck your f***.”

“Anyway, I told this story, because it was the only story I had The George Lopez ShowShe said. “Then I got a letter from the New Zealand tourism minister saying I was no longer welcome in their country. And then that was the whole thing.”

“They felt like you had tarnished the reputation of the entire country?” I asked her a long time ago, and she replied: “Yes.”

She also said she had written a letter to the minister to apologise, concluding with the fact that “we have a lot going on here in America too.”

She claims the ban was subsequently lifted.

However, Key disputed the claims that she was blocked and that he had sent her a message.

At that time, Key told… Announce This is unlikely to be the case, because the Minister of Tourism does not have the power to ban anyone, only the Minister of Immigration.

“I would like to see the letter, but I would be surprised if it was from me.”

In a statement by L AnnounceMichael Carley, Immigration New Zealand’s director of operations, said: “There are no records in Anna Faris’ file to indicate that she was ever denied entry to New Zealand.”

The issue was resolved and Faris then appeared in an Air NZ safety video with Rhys Darby in 2016.

“Two years ago, I filmed a safety video for Air New Zealand. So we’re all good,” she said.

As for Faris’ latest project, she will appear alongside New Zealand actors Karl Urban, Thomasin McKenzie and Jemaine Clement.

Faris is married to cinematographer Michael Barrett. She was previously married to Hollywood actor Chris Pratt between 2009 and 2018.