Paramount and Miramax’s Scary Movie (2026) is eyeing a massive opening weekend after generating $7.7 million in previews, positioning itself to potentially break the franchise’s 2006 domestic record. The horror parody faces heavy competition from A24’s Backrooms and Amazon MGM’s $200 million Masters of the Universe reboot.
A High-Stakes Battle for Box Office Dominance
The domestic box office is bracing for a collision between nostalgia-driven comedy and high-budget spectacle. While Variety reports that Paramount is projecting a $40 million opening for the new Scary Movie, other industry estimates suggest the film could land anywhere between $45 million and $50 million. If it reaches the higher end of those projections, it would surpass the $49.7 million benchmark set by 2006’s Scary Movie 4.
However, the path to the top is not guaranteed. A24’s breakout horror hit Backrooms is entering its second weekend with a target of $48 million to $50 million, looking to maintain its momentum. Meanwhile, Amazon MGM’s Masters of the Universe is also entering the fray; despite a massive $200 million budget, it made $4.4 million in previews and is projected to launch with a more modest $30 million to $35 million.
| Film Title | Projected Opening (Domestic) | Preview Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Scary Movie (2026) | $40M – $50M | $7.7 Million |
| Backrooms | $48M – $50M | Not Specified |
| Masters of the Universe | $30M – $35M | $4.4 Million |
The Wayans’ Return to Satirical Chaos
The revival marks a significant homecoming for the franchise’s architects. Marlon, Shawn, Keenen Ivory, and Craig Wayans have returned to the scriptwriting process for the first time since 2001’s Scary Movie 2. The film reunites the "Core Four"—Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall—to lampoon a modern era of horror, including titles like Get Out, Smile, Longlegs, and Scream.
The production has also maintained its reputation for boundary-pushing, often without seeking the blessing of the films it mocks. According to Yahoo, Marlon Wayans recently revealed that director Jordan Peele turned down an offer to cameo in the film after being told the production planned to parody his 2017 hit Get Out.
"He was like ‘Oh, cool.’ I was like, ‘You want to be in it?’ He said, ‘Nah.
Wayans defended the franchise’s approach to satire, noting that the creators do not ask for permission to lampoon recent hits.
Controversy and Corporate Turbulence
Despite the comedic energy, the film is not without its detractors. Some critics have noted that the franchise’s tendency to push boundaries has occasionally crossed into mean-spirited territory. TheWrap reported that one specific scene involving a non-binary character felt uncomfortably sinister, suggesting the film was punching down by portraying murderous rage as justified against those asking for respect.
"It’s the only scene in any “Scary Movie” which is arguably scary, because it’s punching down, way down, at real victims of violence; and unlike the other controversial gags, the tone is uncomfortably sinister.
This creative friction arrives at a complicated time for the studio. IndieWire noted that Paramount has been navigating a heavy year marked by merger scrutiny and internal leadership clashes, including the recent firing of 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley. This corporate backdrop has led some to question whether the franchise’s anarchic spirit can remain intact under current studio management.
Reclaiming a Comedic Legacy
For the cast and crew, however, the focus remains on the chemistry that defined the original series. During a recent press event, the atmosphere was described as high-energy and irreverent, with the Wayans brothers leaning into their hip-hop roots and quick-witted banter.
"We get five mic’s? That’s what I’m asking. That’s all I want to know. Does Scary Movie get 5 mics? That’s all I want to know. You know what I mean? ‘Cuz we got bars!
The Source observed that beneath the "legendary comedic armor," there was a sense of genuine warmth among the returning stars. As the industry watches the weekend’s results, the success of Scary Movie will serve as a litmus test for whether audiences are still hungry for the unapologetic, crass satire that the Wayans brothers pioneered decades ago.
