APPLETON, Wis. — The horror spoof franchise that defined early 2000s comedy is roaring back to life with the release of the first trailer for Scary Movie 6, bringing together original stars and creators for what promises to be a irreverent return to form.
The trailer, which premiered online this morning, offers a glimpse into the film's satirical take on recent horror hits, including Ryan Coogler's Sinners and Coralie Fargeat's The Substance. Fans of the series, known for its over-the-top parodies of slasher films and pop culture staples, will recognize the familiar faces leading the charge: Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Regina Hall, Anna Faris, Lochlyn Munro, Dave Sheridan, and Jon Abrahams all reprise their roles from earlier installments.
Behind the scenes, the Wayans brothers — Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory Wayans — have returned as the creative force, co-writing the script with longtime collaborator Rick Alvarez, who is also producing the project. Alvarez has been a staple in the franchise since its inception, contributing to the wild humor that made the original Scary Movie a box office smash in 2000. Directing duties fall to Michael Tiddes, who previously helmed films like A Haunted House, another Wayans-led spoof.
Marlon Wayans himself got the buzz going even before the official drop, posting what he called a bootlegged version of the trailer on social media. "Just Bootlegged My Own Movie Trailer," Wayans captioned the post, according to reports from entertainment outlets. This playful leak underscores the film's self-aware tone, a hallmark of the series that poked fun at everything from Scream to The Matrix in its heyday.
The excitement doesn't stop with the core team. Newcomers joining the ensemble include Olivia Rose Keegan, known for her work on soap operas like Days of Our Lives; Savannah Lee Nassif; Cameron Scott Roberts; Sydney Park, a veteran of Disney and Nickelodeon projects; Gregg Wayans, carrying on the family legacy; Ruby Snowber; and Benny Zielke. These fresh faces are set to bring new energy to the chaotic world of Scary Movie, blending veteran comedy timing with emerging talent.
Production is handled by Miramax, with executive producers Jonathan Glickman, Alexandra Loewy, and Thom Zadra overseeing the effort. Paramount Pictures, under its first-look deal with Miramax, will distribute the film worldwide, scheduling a theatrical release for June 12. This partnership marks a significant step for the franchise, which has seen ups and downs since its peak, including reboots without the original Wayans involvement in 2013's Scary Movie 5.
In a 2025 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Marlon Wayans described the upcoming entry as a "no-holds-barred" installment, emphasizing its commitment to unfiltered comedy. "It’s how we always do it," Wayans said. "We just want to make everybody laugh, and we don’t care if you’re sensitive. Even sensitive people need to laugh at themselves." This philosophy echoes the franchise's roots, where the Wayans brothers drew from their stand-up backgrounds to create a series that grossed over $270 million worldwide across five films.
The return of the Wayans trio is particularly noteworthy, as they stepped away after Scary Movie 2 in 2001 to pursue other projects like White Chicks and Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood. Keenen Ivory Wayans, who directed the first two films, brings his experience from directing hits like I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, ensuring the script stays true to the original's boundary-pushing style. Rick Alvarez, meanwhile, has credits on multiple Wayans productions, adding continuity to the writing room.
Regina Hall and Anna Faris, who played Brenda and Cindy in the early films, are back in roles that became iconic for their physical comedy and sharp wit. Hall, who has since starred in serious dramas like Support the Girls, told interviewers last year that reuniting felt like "coming home to family." Faris, absent from the big screen for several years after focusing on her podcast Unqualified, expressed similar enthusiasm, noting the film's ability to "lampoon the absurdities of modern horror."
Supporting cast members like Dave Sheridan, who memorably played the bumbling cop Doofy in the first film, and Jon Abrahams, another original, round out the nostalgic lineup. Lochlyn Munro, who appeared in Scary Movie 2 and 3, adds to the reunion vibe. Their return signals a deliberate effort to recapture the magic of the franchise's most successful era, before it ventured into parodies of found-footage films and supernatural thrillers without the same creative spark.
Wayans has already hinted at bigger plans if Scary Movie 6 performs well. In recent social media posts and interviews, he teased potential sequels to other classics like White Chicks and Don't Be a Menace. "We'll Be Back Real Hard," Wayans declared, suggesting a resurgence of the Wayans comedy empire. This comes amid a broader revival of 2000s nostalgia in Hollywood, with reboots of films like Mean Girls and Barbie dominating recent box offices.
The trailer's reveal of specific parodies highlights how Scary Movie 6 is updating its formula for today's audience. Sinners, Coogler's vampire thriller set for release earlier this year, and The Substance, Fargeat's body horror starring Demi Moore, represent the cutting edge of genre filmmaking. By targeting these, the film positions itself as a timely satire, much like the original's riff on I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Critics and fans alike have mixed feelings about the franchise's longevity. While the first two films hold cult status for their audacious humor, later entries received panned reviews for relying too heavily on gross-out gags. According to Rotten Tomatoes aggregates, Scary Movie sits at 72% approval, dropping to 12% for Scary Movie 5. The Wayans return, however, has sparked optimism, with early trailer reactions on platforms like YouTube garnering millions of views and comments praising the "classic vibes."
As production wrapped late last year, insiders report a smooth shoot in Los Angeles, with practical effects and improv sessions key to the comedy. Miramax's involvement ensures a polished final product, backed by Paramount's global distribution muscle. The June 12 release date slots it into a summer slate crowded with blockbusters, but the franchise's proven draw could carve out a niche for counterprogramming laughs amid superhero spectacles.
Looking ahead, Scary Movie 6 represents more than just a sequel; it's a bet on comedy's enduring power in an era dominated by prestige dramas and franchises. If Wayans' vision lands, it could pave the way for more revivals, reminding audiences why the series became a cultural touchstone. For now, the trailer has reignited the hype, proving that in the world of spoofs, timing — and a good scare — is everything.