Scary Movie is back in theaters on Friday, June 5, with the latest entry in the spoof-horror franchise bringing together the Core Four once again. Set 26 years after the original masked-killer chaos, the new film reunites Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall as their characters are targeted again in a story that promises to lampoon nearly every corner of modern horror. The movie also features a large ensemble cast that includes Kenan Thompson, Dave Sheridan, Lochlyn Munro, Kim Wayans, Cheri Oteri, Chris Elliott, Damon Wayans Jr., Heidi Gardner, Olivia Rose Keegan, Cameron Scott Roberts, Savannah Lee Nassif, Sydney Park, Gregg Wayans, Benny Zielke, and Ruby Snowber.
The new Scary Movie aims its jokes at horror reboots, remakes, sequels, prequels, spin-offs, elevated horror, origin stories, and the endless wave of “legacy” titles that dominate the genre. According to the synopsis, nothing is meant to be safe from parody, with the film leaning into the franchise’s familiar mix of broad comedy, pop-culture references, and raunchy humor. The Wayans family’s return is positioned as a major selling point, especially for longtime fans who remember the series’ earlier success as one of the most recognizable horror spoofs in movie history.
Early critical reaction, however, has been largely mixed to negative. The film currently holds a 25% Rotten score on Rotten Tomatoes, reflecting the broader skepticism from reviewers. TheWrap criticized the movie’s resistance to change, while ScreenCrush compared it to unfinished writers’ room notes. The Guardian called it a comedy that seems unsure of itself, and The Associated Press said it relies too heavily on references to recent horror hits without fully satirizing them. Variety described it as overstuffed and exhausting, while The Daily Beast said it is built around scattershot jokes aimed at teens. The Hollywood Reporter argued that the film does not deliver enough memorable laughs to sustain the genre. IndieWire offered a more positive take, noting the emotional pull of the Wayans reclaiming the franchise. Empire and NME were also unimpressed, with both suggesting the film’s biggest ideas are stronger in concept than in execution.
Despite the criticism, the release marks a notable return for a franchise that once defined mainstream movie parody. With the Wayans back at the center and a long list of horror targets in its sights, Scary Movie is being positioned as both a nostalgic comeback and a modern send-up of today’s horror landscape.
