"Scary Movie 6" Breaks Franchise Record with $55 Million Opening Weekend
The sixth installment of the Scary Movie franchise, directed by Michael Tiddes, was released on June 5 and earned $55 million in its opening weekend—a record for the series. The film marks the return of the Wayans family as creators, alongside several original cast members.
Cast and Production
The film is co-written by Marlon Wayans, his brothers Keenen and Shawn, his nephew Craig, and Rick Alvarez. Returning cast members from the first two installments include Anna Faris and Regina Hall.
Faris was originally cast by Keenen Ivory Wayans in 1999. She received $65,000 Canadian for the first film and reported low pay for subsequent installments.
Faris stated that she and Hall did not receive "male-comparative" paychecks for later films, highlighting a disparity in compensation compared to male co-stars. She also noted that Keenen asked her not to participate in sequels after the Wayans were removed from the franchise, but she stated she was under contract.
Marlon Wayans stated that he wrote scenes for Dave Chappelle, but the cameo did not materialize.
Franchise History
The Wayans family originally created the Scary Movie franchise. According to Marlon Wayans, the family was removed from the franchise after Scary Movie 2 following a dispute with Harvey and Bob Weinstein over compensation.
Wayans alleged that the Weinsteins used accounting practices that denied them royalties.
The Wayans family returned to the franchise after Marlon regained control. Miramax CEO Jonathan Glickman, who reached out to Wayans to revive the franchise, stated that the Wayans family received a deal similar to those given to other successful creators.
Personal Context
Faris stated that after her CBS sitcom "Mom" ended in 2020 and a public divorce, she experienced a career slowdown and considered retirement. She described the new film as "an opportunity to reframe my relationship to Hollywood," citing more control.
Faris has three additional films releasing this year: "Spa Weekend" and "Primetime" opposite Robert Pattinson.
Wayans discussed his support for his transgender son and his views on comedy and censorship. He is also working on a stand-up special and developing sequels to other films.