Key Takeaways:
– Paramount’s Miramax label greenlights Scary Movie 6
– Scary Movie franchise to break its 11-year hiatus
– New sequel slated for a 2025 theater release
– No specific writer or director announced yet
The Scary Movie franchise, known for its parody of the horror genre, is breaking an 11-year silence. The Miramax label at Paramount, under its new director, Jonathan Glickman, has given the nod to Scary Movie 6. The film is set to return to theaters by 2025, as reported by Deadline.
Is ‘Scary Movie 6’ Coming Out?
Miramax, under the new leadership of Jonathan Glickman at Paramount, is reviving the iconic “Scary Movie” franchise. The announcement came ahead of Paramount’s presentation at CinemaCon this morning, signaling a significant move to re-engage audiences with the popular comedy series that parodies horror films. Originally released by Dimension Films, a genre label of Miramax, the “Scary Movie” series was a cultural phenomenon in the early 2000s, generating over $896 million through its five films.
The franchise kicked off in July 2000 with the first “Scary Movie,” directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans and co-written by Wayans alongside his brothers Shawn and Marlon, and Buddy Johnson. It became an instant hit, opening to $42.3 million and eventually grossing $157 million domestically and $278 million worldwide. The film, known for its satirical take on popular horror movies much like “Airplane!” did for disaster films, catapulted Anna Faris to fame.
The new “Scary Movie” installment is set to go into production this year, with a theatrical release planned for 2025. This revival marks an exciting return for the franchise, aiming to capture the original’s blend of humor and horror satire for both nostalgic fans and new audiences.
About the ‘Scary Movie’ Franchise:
Scary Movie Franchise: A Hilarious Take on Horror
The Scary Movie series is a collection of American parody films that lampoon popular horror movies and cultural phenomena. Known for its slapstick comedy and satirical take on well-known films, the franchise has been a significant box office success, grossing nearly $900 million worldwide. Central to the series are characters Cindy Campbell, portrayed by Anna Faris, and Brenda Meeks, played by Regina Hall. Both actresses appeared in all installments except the fifth film.
Creation and Development
The franchise was developed by the Wayans brothers—Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Marlon Wayans. Keenen directed the first two films, with Shawn and Marlon co-writing and starring. Produced initially by Dimension Films, a former genre label of Miramax, the films were distributed through Miramax Films for the first four entries and The Weinstein Company for the fourth and fifth installments. As of 2024, a sixth film is in development, with Miramax producing and Paramount Pictures handling distribution.
Film Series Overview
Scary Movie (2000)
The inaugural film, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans, became the highest-grossing entry in the series, earning over $278 million worldwide. It parodies several horror films and TV shows, primarily focusing on “Scream” and “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” The plot follows a group of teenagers who accidentally kill a man and decide to keep it a secret. A year later, they are stalked by a mysterious killer wearing a Ghostface mask.
Scary Movie 2 (2001)
The sequel grossed over $141 million globally and is the last installment involving the Wayans siblings. It spoofs movies like “The Exorcist” and “House on Haunted Hill.” The story centers around college students invited to spend a weekend at a haunted mansion for a scientific study, only to encounter bizarre and supernatural occurrences.
Scary Movie 3 (2003)
With earnings of over $220 million worldwide, this installment is the second most successful in the series. It parodies films such as “The Ring,” “Signs,” and “8 Mile.” The plot revolves around a cursed videotape and mysterious crop circles appearing on a farm, leading to an impending alien invasion. Notably, this film was the first in the series to receive a PG-13 rating and did not involve the Wayans family.
Scary Movie 4 (2006)
The fourth film garnered over $178 million globally. It spoofs movies like “War of the Worlds,” “Saw,” “The Grudge,” and “The Village.” Continuing the misadventures of Cindy Campbell, the story involves her discovering a deadly videotape and dealing with an alien invasion, all while working as a caregiver in a haunted house.
Scary Movie 5 (2013)
The fifth installment deviated from the previous films by not featuring Anna Faris and Regina Hall. It grossed approximately $73 million worldwide, making it the least successful in the franchise. The film parodies “Paranormal Activity,” “Black Swan,” and “Mama,” among others. The plot follows a couple who experience strange phenomena after bringing their adopted children home, leading them to install cameras to uncover the supernatural happenings.
Impact and Legacy
The Scary Movie franchise has left a significant mark on the parody genre, known for its irreverent humor and bold takes on contemporary films and celebrities. While the series has had its ups and downs, it remains a cultural touchstone for its comedic approach to horror tropes and its influence on subsequent parody films.
