The Wayans family is officially back with the Scary Movie franchise they created, marking an exciting return to the horror-comedy series that first hit theaters over two decades ago. The reboot, which was announced previously, is now moving forward, with the original creators reuniting for the first time in 18 years. Production is set to begin next year, aiming for a theatrical release.
The Scary Movie series was launched by Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Keenen Ivory Wayans, who were behind its earliest and most successful installments. Keenen Ivory Wayans served as writer and director for the first two films, while Marlon and Shawn Wayans both co-wrote and starred in them.
Marlon Wayans shared the news with his followers on Instagram, saying: “Last week I said I had a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT to make, well here it is… WE’RE BACK!!! After nearly 20 years, the Wayans brothers are finally going to give you what you’ve been asking for… a return to the Scary Movie franchise! We’re looking forward to having fun on the big screen again.”
Jonathan Glickman, CEO of Miramax, expressed similar enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to reunite Scary Movie with the Wayans brothers, the brilliant creators behind the beloved franchise. The timing is perfect to bring back the series to the big screen, and we’re lucky to have Keenen, Marlon, and Shawn’s unique comedic vision bringing it to audiences around the world.”
In a joint statement, Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen added: “We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the new Scary Movie and work together again. This is a franchise we created more than 20 years ago. We remember people laughing in the aisles and hope to see that happen again. We look forward to working with Jonathan Glickman and his team at the new Miramax to bring these laughs to theaters, where they belong. It’s a double reunion.”
The original Scary Movie series, known for parodying horror hits like Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, was a major box-office success. The first film, released in 2000, grossed $278 million worldwide and became one of the highest-grossing R-rated horror films of its time, setting a record for the largest opening weekend for a Black director. Across its five installments, the series has raked in over $896 million globally.
Paramount Pictures will distribute the film worldwide as part of its first-look deal with Miramax, which remains the studio behind the franchise. Becky Sloviter, President of the Miramax Motion Picture Group, is overseeing the project, and Neal H. Moritz, known for the Fast and Furious franchise, has signed on as a producer.
With horror cinema still captivating audiences—evidenced by recent hits like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Smile, and M3GAN—the timing for the Scary Movie revival is ideal. Production is slated to start in fall 2024.
As for Marlon Wayans, he’s currently on his Wild Child Tour across the nation and will star in HIM, a psychological sports thriller directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, set for release in September 2025.
Stay connected for more updates on the Scary Movie reboot, as the Wayans family prepares to bring their signature blend of horror and humor back to the big screen.