The Wayans Are Back: 'Scary Movie 6' Assembles a Star-Studded Cast for Hilarious Horror Spoofs

Get ready for some serious laughs and horror spoofs, because Scary Movie 6 (officially titled Scary MoVIe) is officially on its way with a killer cast, both familiar and fresh, promising a much-anticipated return to form for the iconic franchise.

TL;DR: Here's What You Need to Know

• The original Wayans brothers—Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory—are reuniting to write and produce Scary MoVIe, slated for a June 12, 2026 release.
• Anna Faris and Regina Hall are returning as Cindy Campbell and Brenda Meeks, joined by other franchise veterans and new comedic talent like Heidi Gardner, Damon Wayans Jr., and Kim Wayans.
• Expect spoofs of modern horror hits like Get Out, Nope, and Scream, with filming already well underway in Atlanta.

Remember when Scary Movie first hit theaters in 2000 and completely turned the horror genre on its head? It felt fresh, irreverent, and, let's be honest, a little bit shocking. Now, nearly two decades after its last truly Scary Movie-esque installment, we're seeing a full-blown revival of the spoof series that once lampooned every scream queen and masked killer under the sun. It's wild to think that a franchise built on parody is now tapping into its own nostalgia cycle, but here we are, and frankly, we're here for it.

This isn’t just any sequel; it’s a full-circle moment for the series, bringing back the creative powerhouse that launched it all. The Wayans brothers—Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory Wayans—are officially reuniting to write the script, marking their first original script collaboration in 18 years. This alone signals that Scary MoVIe aims to be a true "restart of the franchise," as Paramount has described it, promising to bring back that signature, no-holds-barred humor that made the originals cultural staples.

The Wayans Clan and Comedy Powerhouses Reunite for Hilarious Mayhem

The biggest news for fans is undoubtedly the return of the franchise's architects. Marlon and Shawn Wayans are back not only to write alongside their brother Keenen Ivory Wayans and longtime collaborator Rick Alvarez, but also to reprise their beloved roles. Marlon Wayans is even going the extra mile, revealing he "just lost 20 lbs busting my behind every day 'cause I didn't wanna show up to set as Shorty buff at 225," emphasizing his dedication to embodying Shorty Meeks once more. Source: Entertainment Weekly

But the Wayans family reunion doesn't stop there. Damon Wayans Jr. (known for New Girl) and Kim Wayans (a legend from In Living Color and recently seen in more dramatic roles like Pariah) are also joining the cast, ensuring that comedic talent runs deep through the film's veins. This infusion of family talent, both behind and in front of the camera, suggests a cohesive vision for the franchise's new direction.

Adding another layer of comedic brilliance is Heidi Gardner, fresh off her surprise exit from Saturday Night Live this summer. Her role in Scary MoVIe marks her first major movie role since departing the iconic sketch comedy series. A representative for Gardner told EW that the Shrinking star is "really excited" to work with the Scary Movie 6 team, and honestly, we're really excited to see what she brings to the spoof genre.

Familiar Faces Rise From the Cinematic Grave for Another Round of Laughs

What's a Scary Movie without its core group? Fans will be thrilled to hear that Anna Faris and Regina Hall are officially reprising their iconic roles as Cindy Campbell and Brenda Meeks. Their chemistry and commitment to the absurdity were central to the original films' success, and their absence was keenly felt in Scary Movie 5. This reunion marks the first time Faris and Hall will appear together in the franchise since 2006's Scary Movie 4, making this a true comeback for the duo.

Beyond Cindy and Brenda, many other fan favorites are making a comeback. Lochlyn Monroe will return as Bobby Prinze, Dave Sheridan as the hilariously oblivious Doofy Gilmore, and Jon Abrahams as Greg Phillipe. These characters, despite often meeting grisly ends in the spoofed films, always find a way to pop back up, and their return promises a healthy dose of nostalgia for long-time viewers. Source: ComicBook.com

And speaking of returning characters, Chris Elliott and Cheri Oteri are also back! Oteri famously played Gail Hailstorm, the sensationalist TV reporter parodying Courteney Cox's Gale Weathers from Scream, in the very first Scary Movie. Since her character was alive at the end, there's a good chance she'll pick up right where she left off, especially given Gale Weathers' continued presence in the real Scream franchise. Elliott is a franchise veteran, having appeared as the creepy caretaker Hanson in Scary Movie 2 and then as a completely different character, Ezekiel, a village loon, in Scary Movie 4. Reports confirm he will be reprising his role as Hanson, tiny hand and all, for this installment. The possibilities for how these characters will interact with modern horror tropes are endless, and undoubtedly hilarious.

"I think you have to acknowledge how comedy has changed. Not just horror has changed, but films have changed, the audience has changed, the world has shifted," Marlon Wayans explained. "I think the way to do that is to make the generational gap part of the conversation. That's how we constructed the movie so we could talk about it all. It's a conversation with these funny characters, and they just so happen to be going through this. The more pressure you put on characters and the more horrific the situations, that's when you really get to know the characters."

He promised that the movie will be "no holds barred and equal opportunity offenders."

— Marlon Wayans, on approaching humor in a changed world. Source: Entertainment Weekly

Modern Horror Gets the 'Scary Movie' Treatment: What to Expect from the Parodies

So, what horror films are ripe for spoofing in today's cinematic landscape? Marlon Wayans has given us a peek into their target list, which includes recent hits and even some "elevated horror" entries. Expect nods to I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream (which, ironically, has also seen its own successful modern revivals), Heretic, Longlegs, Get Out, Nope, and Sinners. This diverse selection shows that the Wayans are ready to tackle everything from slasher throwbacks to psychological thrillers and social commentary horror.

The film is currently shooting in Atlanta, Georgia. Interestingly, a casting call for background child actors between nine and 15 years old for a "sensitive scene that includes explicit elements of violence, blood and gore" was issued for November 14. This tidbit alone hints at the film's commitment to mimicking the intense, sometimes shocking, nature of modern horror, even if it's all in jest. Source: Atlanta News First

Bringing the Gags to Life: The Behind-the-Scenes Story

Behind the camera, Michael Tiddes is directing the project. Tiddes has a history with the Wayans, having directed films like A Haunted House (2013) and Naked (2017), so he's no stranger to their brand of comedic storytelling. Miramax is producing the film, with Jonathan Glickman, Alexandra Loewy, and Thom Zadra serving as executive producers. Paramount Pictures, through its first-look deal with Miramax, will handle worldwide distribution, ensuring this global spoof reaches audiences everywhere.

The original Scary Movie, released in July 2000, opened to a massive $42 million at the domestic box office. It set records for the biggest opening weekend for an R-rated horror film and for a Black director at the time. This phenomenal success solidified the Wayans' formula for horror-comedy and built a strong foundation for the franchise. The upcoming installment aims to recapture that magic, especially after Scary Movie 5 (which did not feature Anna Faris or Regina Hall) was considered a box office failure.

Navigating Expectations: The Challenge of Rebooting a Classic Spoof

One might wonder if the humor of Scary Movie can still land in today's rapidly changing comedic landscape. Marlon Wayans addresses this directly, stating that they've "constructed the movie so we could talk about it all," acknowledging how "comedy has changed" and the "audience has changed." Their approach to making the "generational gap part of the conversation" within the film offers a clever way to bridge the old and new, ensuring the jokes feel relevant and inclusive of different humor sensibilities.

A potential limitation for any spoof film is the risk of its humor feeling dated quickly, especially when parodying current trends. However, by targeting "elevated horror" and recent blockbusters like Get Out and Nope, the Wayans are signaling an intent to engage with the very evolution of the genre they're lampooning. This proactive choice, coupled with their promise of "no holds barred" humor, suggests they're ready to tackle the nuances of modern horror, rather than just rehashing old tropes.

Example: Imagine Sarah, a lifelong Scary Movie fan, scrolling through her news feed, half-expecting another sequel rumor. Then, BAM! She sees Anna Faris and Regina Hall are actually coming back, alongside the Wayans brothers. The excitement isn't just about the laughs; it's about seeing those iconic duos reunite and knowing the classic humor is officially being revived for a new era of horror films. She instantly texts her friends, planning a movie night for June 2026, eager to see what new gags await.

Your Quick Takeaways for the Return of 'Scary Movie'

• Circle June 12, 2026, on your calendar: Scary MoVIe is set to bring big laughs to theaters worldwide.
• Prepare for a true franchise revival, with original creators Marlon, Shawn, and Keenen Ivory Wayans at the helm, promising a return to their classic, irreverent humor.
• Expect to see iconic duo Anna Faris and Regina Hall back in action, alongside beloved veterans like Chris Elliott and Cheri Oteri, and fresh comedic talent like Heidi Gardner and Damon Wayans Jr.
• The film is geared to spoof a wide range of modern horror, from slashers to social thrillers, ensuring timely and relevant comedic targets.
• This new installment aims to bridge generational comedy gaps, making it a film that old and new fans of horror spoofs can enjoy together.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions About 'Scary MoVIe' Answered When is Scary Movie 6 coming out? Scary MoVIe is scheduled to hit theaters worldwide on June 12, 2026. Who are the main cast members returning for Scary Movie 6? Key returning cast members include Anna Faris (Cindy Campbell), Regina Hall (Brenda Meeks), Marlon Wayans (Shorty Meeks), Shawn Wayans (Ray), Cheri Oteri (Gail Hailstorm), Chris Elliott (Hanson), Lochlyn Monroe, Dave Sheridan, and Jon Abrahams. What horror movies will Scary Movie 6 parody? Marlon Wayans has indicated the film will spoof modern horror, including titles like I Know What You Did Last Summer, Scream, Heretic, Longlegs, Get Out, Nope, and Sinners. Where is Scary Movie 6 being filmed? Filming for Scary MoVIe is currently underway in Atlanta, Georgia.

Sources:

• Entertainment Weekly
• Deadline
• The Hollywood Reporter
• A.V. Club
• Pajiba
• Bloody Disgusting
• Atlanta News First
• Screen Rant
• ComicBook.com