‘Scary Movie’ 6 opened with a $7.5 million preview haul on Friday, June 5, 2026, outpacing expectations for the franchise’s revival while Masters of the Universe debuted at $4 million—setting up a weekend battle for top spot. The horror-comedy spoof, led by Anna Faris, Regina Hall, and the Wayans brothers, is already sparking debates over whether it can revive a franchise that critics say has lost its edge.
Why ‘Scary Movie’ 6 Is Breaking Box Office Records (and Why Critics Aren’t Laughing)
The preview numbers are historic for a comedy, placing Scary Movie in rare company with Scream 7, which pulled in $7.8 million in previews before its $63.6 million opening weekend. The 2026 reboot’s $7.5 million haul—nearly double the $4 million debut of Masters of the Universe—positions it as the weekend’s likely frontrunner, according to Deadline. But while the cash register is ringing, critics are divided: Rotten Tomatoes reports a 29% score, with reviews calling the film “a hollow imitation” of its predecessors, while audiences are giving it a 68% approval rating.
What’s driving the disconnect? The film’s $30 million budget—originally projected to gross $40–$45 million—suggests producers bet on nostalgia over innovation. The Wayans brothers, who co-wrote and star in the film, have spent years trying to reclaim creative control after being ousted during the Weinstein era. Yet the script, which leans heavily on recycled jokes and meta-references, feels “wholly uninterested in narrative structure,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Even the opening sequence—a callback to Scream’s iconic killers—fails to land as a fresh twist, leaving critics to ask: Why are we still making these sequels?
“Why are we still making Scary Movie sequels?”
Ghostface’s Return: How the Film Tries (and Fails) to Modernize
The new Scary Movie attempts to bridge the gap between its 2000s roots and today’s horror landscape by weaving in references to recent hits like Terrifier 3, Smile, and even an animated musical sequence in Korean. But the execution is uneven. While Regina Hall’s Brenda Meeks—now channeling Octavia Spencer’s “Ma” energy—delivers some of the film’s best lines, the script’s reliance on forced callbacks (“Did someone say Get Out?”) feels like a desperate bid to stay relevant. IndieWire notes that the Wayans’ attempt to address contemporary identity issues (including a trans character who avoids being mocked) comes off as “a very mixed bag,” with one scene about pronouns feeling “clunky and reactionary.”
Director Michael Tiddes, who has never helmed a Scary Movie before, struggles to balance the film’s legacy with its modern ambitions. The opening sequence—where a rising star plays a tough-gal character before being stabbed by Ghostface—was meant to subvert expectations, but the execution lacks the sharp wit of earlier entries. Meanwhile, the film’s attempts to parody recent flops (like The Substance) often fall flat, leaving audiences laughing at the wrong moments. As The Film Verdict puts it: “This is a child’s idea of satire—imitations, with a funny hat and a leer.”
The Box Office Battle: ‘Scary Movie’ vs. ‘Masters of the Universe’
The weekend’s box office showdown isn’t just about comedy vs. family fare—it’s a clash of two very different strategies. Masters of the Universe, with its $170 million budget and star power (Idris Elba, Jared Leto, Alison Brie), is banking on nostalgia for the 1980s cartoon. Its $4 million preview is modest but not disastrous, especially compared to Ghostbusters: Afterlife’s $4.5 million debut in 2021. However, the film’s 71% critic score (vs. Scary Movie’s 29%) suggests it may resonate more with general audiences than its spoof counterpart.
What’s clear is that Scary Movie’s success hinges on its core fanbase. The Wayans brothers’ return—alongside Anna Faris and Regina Hall—has reignited some nostalgia, but the film’s reliance on inside jokes (“Shorty’s still high,” “Brenda’s still talking to herself”) risks alienating newer viewers. Meanwhile, Masters of the Universe’s early scores (89% audience approval) suggest it may have broader appeal, though its slower start could leave it playing second fiddle this weekend.
One wild card? The Backrooms, which could upset the apple cart with a $32–$37 million haul in its second frame. If it delivers, it might push both Scary Movie and Masters into second and third place—a rare outcome for a comedy and a family film on the same weekend.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
The bigger question isn’t just whether Scary Movie will make money—it’s whether it can revive a franchise that critics have long written off as “past its expiration date.” The Wayans brothers have spent years fighting to regain control of their creation, and this reboot represents their best shot at redemption. But with Paramount under scrutiny over its corporate decisions (including the recent Scott Pelley firing), the film’s release feels like a gamble—both creatively and financially.
If the $7.5 million preview holds, the franchise could see a resurgence, especially with younger audiences craving big-screen laughs. But if the critics’ verdict sticks, Scary Movie may go down as a cautionary tale about clinging to nostalgia without innovation. One thing is certain: this isn’t the last we’ll hear from Ghostface—or the Wayans brothers.
For now, moviegoers have their answer: Scary Movie is breaking box office records, but it’s not breaking new ground. And in Hollywood, that’s often enough.
