The iconic comedy film White Chicks is packed with memorable and hilarious moments. One scene, in particular, almost took a different turn thanks to a song choice that could have significantly altered the depiction of one of its most beloved characters. The Wayans brothers—Keenen Ivory, Shawn, and Marlon—are known for their unique sense of humor, prominently showcased in various projects including the famed Scary Movie series.
At the heart of White Chicks are brothers Kevin (Shawn Wayans) and Marcus Copeland (Marlon Wayans), two FBI agents assigned to protect socialites Brittany and Tiffany Wilson, who are believed to be potential kidnapping targets. When a minor accident leaves their faces slightly injured, Kevin and Marcus decide to go undercover as the sisters to continue their investigation. Notably, one of the film’s most humorous scenes features Marcus impersonating Tiffany while sharing a car ride with the exuberant Latrell Spencer (Terry Crews). This comedic moment was nearly changed by a different song, which could have adversely affected the character of Latrell.
The Near Miss with Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles”
Alternative Song for White Chicks’ Best Scene
In the course of impersonating the Wilson sisters, Kevin becomes smitten with a reporter named Denise Porter (Rochelle Aytes), and complicates matters by pretending to be the basketball player Latrell Spencer. Meanwhile, the real Latrell is captivated by Marcus in his Tiffany disguise. Despite Marcus’s attempts to keep Latrell at bay, they end up on a date after Latrell’s winning auction bid. When Latrell arrives to pick up Marcus/Tiffany, they turn on the radio, expecting a more suitable “girly” playlist, but to their astonishment, Latrell enthusiastically performs Vanessa Carlton’s “A Thousand Miles.” This unexpected twist highlights Marcus’s disbelief and has turned into one of the film’s most recognized and meme-worthy moments.
Reflecting on the creative process, Terry Crews shared that he was initially presented with two song options for this scene: “A Thousand Miles” and Benny Benassi’s “Satisfaction.” He mentioned listening to both tracks extensively before rehearsing, while Shawn Wayans noted that Carlton’s song was not only popular but also felt appropriate given its widespread recognition. While “Satisfaction” undoubtedly has its catchy appeal, its repetitive beat would not have meshed well within the comedic framework of the scene.
Enhancing Terry Crews’ Character Through “A Thousand Miles”
Latrell’s Character Boosted by “A Thousand Miles”
Latrell’s moment with “A Thousand Miles” reveals a more playful and lighthearted side of his character. Initially, Latrell is characterized as confident, determined, and somewhat of a womanizer who is relentless in his pursuits. Up until that dynamic car scene, he is depicted with a strong masculine aura, which is why Marcus anticipates that the “girly” pop song would not resonate with him. However, Latrell’s unexpected enjoyment of the song adds depth to his personality, creating a pivotal comedic moment.
This comedic scene was executed so well that it was captured in a single take, thanks in part to Marlon Wayans’s outstanding portrayal of a surprised and uncomfortable Marcus/Tiffany. Had Latrell sung a different song, the scene would not have attained the same level of humor and impact, potentially altering the overall legacy of White Chicks.
Source: EW.