The Wayans brothers are returning to their roots in the comedy genre with an exciting announcement: they are set to write and produce a new installment of the beloved “Scary Movie” franchise. This marks the first time in 18 years that Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory Wayans will collaborate on a project related to the series, reigniting their comedic legacy in the horror parody realm.
The reboot was officially unveiled at CinemaCon in April, and it promises to deliver fresh laughs to both longtime fans and a new generation. Rick Alvarez will join the Wayans brothers in writing and producing the film, ensuring that the humor and creativity that made the original films so successful will continue.
The “Scary Movie” franchise was born from the creative minds of the Wayans brothers, who developed the concept more than 20 years ago. Keenen Ivory Wayans directed and wrote the first two films, while Marlon and Shawn contributed as writers and stars. The upcoming project will be the sixth film in the series, following a lengthy hiatus since the last installment.
In a joint statement, the Wayans brothers expressed their excitement about reuniting for this new project. “We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the new ‘Scary Movie’ and work with each other 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,” they said. They also mentioned their eagerness to collaborate with Jonathan Glickman and the team at Miramax, emphasizing the importance of bringing their unique comedic vision back to theaters.
The new “Scary Movie” is set to be released in theaters, with filming scheduled to begin in 2025. Miramax, the studio that has been behind the franchise, will produce the film, while Paramount Pictures will handle worldwide distribution. Becky Sloviter will oversee the project for Miramax, which is part of a first-look deal with Paramount.
Glickman, the CEO of Miramax, expressed his enthusiasm for the reunion. “We are thrilled to reunite ‘Scary Movie’ with the Wayans brothers, the brilliant creators behind the beloved franchise,” he stated. He also highlighted the importance of timing in bringing the series back to the big screen, stating that their comedic vision would resonate with audiences worldwide.
ADVERTISEMENT
Marlon Wayans has previously addressed the challenges faced by the franchise, particularly regarding its original ownership and direction. In a September appearance on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast, he discussed how Harvey Weinstein’s involvement had negatively impacted the franchise, describing the initial deal with Miramax as “crappy.” This unfavorable arrangement set the stage for complications in subsequent films, leading to the brothers’ absence from the third, fourth, and fifth installments.
For “Scary Movie 3,” the studio turned to the Zucker brothers for direction, diverging from the original creators. Marlon emphasized the uniqueness of the Wayans’ comedic approach, stating, “You can’t do Wayans shit without the Wayans. You can try, but eventually, you’re gonna lose a lot of money because what we do is special.” He added that the collective experience of the Wayans family brings a wealth of comedic excellence that is difficult to replicate.
Looking ahead, Marlon Wayans will star in Justin Tipping’s psychological sports thriller, “Him,” which is set for release in September 2025. Produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, the film adds to Wayans’ impressive repertoire as he also embarks on his Wild Child Tour across the nation.
Marlon Wayans is represented by 3 Arts Entertainment, UTA, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes, while Shawn Wayans is represented by Yorn, Levine. The excitement surrounding the return of the Wayans brothers to the “Scary Movie” franchise signals a promising revival of the comedic legacy they created.
The news of their reunion has sparked enthusiasm among fans and industry insiders alike, with many eagerly anticipating what the brothers will bring to the screen in this new chapter. As the Wayans brothers prepare to re-enter the world of horror comedy, the legacy of “Scary Movie” is set to continue, blending nostalgia with fresh humor for a new audience.
