After an 11-year hiatus, the beloved ‘Scary Movie’ franchise is making a triumphant return with ‘Scary Movie 6’ in 2025, bringing back the Wayans brothers to helm the parody chaos and sparking excitement for the potential return of original stars like Anna Faris and Regina Hall.
The horror genre, often considered an underdog, has recently enjoyed immense success with box-office hits like M3GAN, Smile, and Five Nights at Freddy’s. Yet, true fans of horror know that sometimes, a good scream is best accompanied by a hearty laugh. For years, the industry seemed to lack films that perfectly blended these two elements, leaving a void for the unique brand of comedy-horror parody. Now, it appears our prayers have been answered: a Scary Movie reboot, officially titled Scary Movie 6, has been announced and is currently in the works.
The Scary Movie film series, which first graced screens in 2000, quickly became a cultural phenomenon for its audacious spoofs of popular horror titles. The original movies famously parodied genre staples such as Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, Halloween, Friday the 13th, and The Exorcist, among others. Its blend of slapstick humor, raunchy gags, and sharp satire resonated deeply with audiences, establishing it as a highly successful franchise.
The Road to Scary Movie 6: A Brief History
The original Scary Movie, released in 2000 by Dimension Films, was spearheaded by director Keenen Ivory Wayans. The writing team, including Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, Buddy Johnson, Phil Beauman, Jason Friedberg, and Aaron Seltzer, crafted a unique comedic vision. This collective effort led to Scary Movie 2 in 2001, with Ivory Wayans returning to direct.
Subsequent films saw changes in the creative leadership: David Zucker took the helm for Scary Movie 3 (2003) and Scary Movie 4 (2006), while Malcolm D. Lee directed Scary Movie 5 (2013). Despite these shifts, the franchise consistently delivered financially, proving the enduring appeal of its parody formula.
The box office performance of the series highlights its success:
- Scary Movie (2000): Produced for approximately $19 million, it grossed an impressive $278 million worldwide.
- Scary Movie 2 (2001): With a budget of $45 million, it earned $141 million.
- Scary Movie 3 (2003): Costing $48 million, it accumulated nearly $221 million.
- Scary Movie 4 (2006): Made for $40 million, it brought in $178 million.
- Scary Movie 5 (2013): With a minimalistic budget of $20 million, it grossed $78 million.
This history of strong returns, even with modest budgets, clearly paved the way for the current revival.
What We Know About the Upcoming Reboot
The new installment, confirmed as Scary Movie 6, is slated for a 2025 theatrical release, breaking an 11-year hiatus for the franchise. While an exact release date is yet to be announced, filming is set to begin in the fall of 2024, suggesting a likely summer 2025 debut, as the filmmaking process will require ample time.
Paramount Pictures will handle distribution for the reboot, with Miramax fully financing the project. Veteran producer Neil H. Moritz, known for his work on several Fast & Furious films, has signed on to produce. Given Paramount’s distribution, fans can anticipate the movie will eventually land on Paramount+ following its theatrical run, with a digital release also expected.
The Return of the Wayans Brothers and Beloved Cast
Exciting news for long-time fans is the creative involvement of the original architects. Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, alongside their brother Keenen Ivory Wayans, have collaborated to write the script for Scary Movie 6. This signals a return to the franchise’s comedic roots and the distinctive “Wayans flavor” that defined the initial films.
Marlon Wayans has already confirmed that the reboot will be R-rated, stating to PEOPLE, “We got the gloves off. We’re going R. We’re going to have the same fun and the same kind of tone and Wayans flavor that we gave on the first one.” This commitment to the original spirit has thrilled fans who cherished the boundary-pushing humor of the first movies.
Furthermore, several iconic cast members are set to reprise their roles, solidifying the reboot’s connection to its past. Anna Faris, who played the cheerful, often ditzy protagonist Cindy Campbell, is expected to return. Faris attributes much of her comedy career to the original film, telling Entertainment Weekly in 2017, “I owe everything to that movie.”
Regina Hall, known for her role as Cindy’s outspoken best friend Brenda Meeks, is also slated to return. Hall’s memorable performances, including her character’s infamous “death by audience” scene in the original, cemented her as a fan favorite. Her presence promises a continuation of the dynamic comedic chemistry that defined the early films.
Marlon Wayans will also reprise his role as Shorty Meeks, the film’s resident stoner, ensuring that his unique brand of humor remains integral to the reboot. His direct involvement in writing, coupled with his on-screen return, is a significant draw for many fans.
While specific plot details for Scary Movie 6 are still under wraps, the return of the Wayans writing team and original cast members suggests a faithful yet fresh take on the parody genre. Fans are eager to see which recent horror blockbusters will fall victim to the franchise’s sharp wit. Popular picks for parody include the aforementioned M3GAN and Smile, offering ripe material for comedic deconstruction.
Where Are the Original Stars Now? A Look at the Cast Beyond the Parody
Beyond the confirmed returns, the original Scary Movie ensemble featured a wealth of talent who went on to diverse careers. Their performances were often inspired by characters from the films being parodied, particularly Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Shawn Wayans (Ray Wilkins)
Co-writer Shawn Wayans portrayed the eccentric and sexually confused football player Ray. Having started on In Living Color, Shawn also co-wrote and starred in films like Don’t Be a Menace in South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood and teamed up with Marlon for White Chicks and Little Man. Though he hasn’t appeared on screen since Dance Flick (2009), his recent involvement in writing Scary Movie 6 marks a significant creative return.
Shannon Elizabeth (Buffy Gilmore)
As Buffy, Shannon Elizabeth parodied the “girl-next-door” archetype. She gained fame as Nadia in American Pie (1999) and later appeared in Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) and Love Actually (2003). Elizabeth also carved out a niche in horror with films like Thirteen Ghosts (2001). In recent years, she has found success as a professional poker player.
Jon Abrahams (Bobby Prinze)
Jon Abrahams played Cindy’s perpetually horny boyfriend, Bobby Prinze, a character he based in part on Skeet Ulrich’s role in Scream. Abrahams gained further recognition as Denny Byrnes in Meet the Parents (2000). He has maintained a steady career in film and television, most recently appearing in the horror film Terrifier 3 (2024).
Lochlyn Munro (Greg Philippe)
Lochlyn Munro played Buffy’s jock boyfriend, Greg Philippe. Munro has had a prolific career as a character actor, appearing in hundreds of projects, including collaborations with the Wayans brothers in White Chicks and Little Man. He also appeared in Freddy vs. Jason (2003) and had a memorable run as Hal Cooper on Riverdale (2017–2023).
Dave Sheridan (Doofy Gilmore)
Dave Sheridan portrayed Buffy’s seemingly goofy brother, Doofy, who ultimately proves to be far more than he appears. Sheridan loosely based elements of his character on David Arquette’s Dewey Riley from Scream. He has since appeared in films like Corky Romano (2001) and The Devil’s Rejects (2005), and is widely recognized for his role in Ghost World (2001).
Cheri Oteri (Gale Hailstorm)
Cheri Oteri brilliantly parodied Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers as the comically unethical news anchor Gale Hailstorm, willing to do anything for a story. Best known for her tenure on Saturday Night Live (1995-2000), Oteri has also made numerous guest appearances on sitcoms and appeared in films such as Inspector Gadget (1999) and Grown Ups 2 (2013).
Carmen Electra (Drew Decker)
Carmen Electra’s memorable cameo as Drew Decker in the opening scene set the tone for the entire franchise, embodying every horror cliché. A one-time musical protégé of Prince, Electra became known for her modeling and her role as Lani McKenzie on Baywatch (1997–1998). Her appearance in Scary Movie led to roles in other big-screen parodies like Date Movie (2006) and Epic Movie (2007).
The return of Scary Movie with the Wayans brothers at the helm and several original cast members signals a hopeful revival for the horror-comedy genre. Fans of classic film parodies are eagerly anticipating the next wave of satirical screams and uproarious laughter, proving that some comedic legacies are simply too iconic to stay buried.
