Paramount and Miramax are gearing up for a reboot of the Scary Movie franchise, igniting excitement among fans of the iconic parody series. Originally launched in 2000 with a film that parodied various horror movies, notably Scream, the franchise enjoyed a successful run, culminating in five films by 2013. After a decade-long hiatus, the announcement made at CinemaCon 2024 promises a fresh instalment expected to premiere in 2025, signalling a revival of the beloved series.
The reboot marks a new chapter in the franchise, with Paramount Pictures taking the lead in collaboration with Miramax Films, the studio responsible for the original four movies. Neal H. Moritz, known for producing blockbuster hits like the Fast and Furious series and Sonic the Hedgehog, is set to produce the new Scary Movie. His expertise in both action-packed and horror genres hints at a promising reboot, although details about the director and cast remain undisclosed.
The original Scary Movie, directed by Keenen Ivory Wayans (White Chicks) and featuring a cast led by Anna Faris, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. It was celebrated for its humorous take on popular horror films of the era, such as I Know What You Did Last Summer, Halloween, and Friday the 13th. Its success spawned four sequels, each extending the parody to other horror and sci-fi classics, including The Exorcist, The Ring, and even non-horror films like War of the Worlds.
Despite the mixed reception of Scary Movie 5, the franchise as a whole has been a financial triumph, grossing nearly US$900 million worldwide. The upcoming reboot, set to begin production in fall 2024, has not yet revealed its storyline or the horror films it will target. However, the rich landscape of horror cinema since 2013, including movies like M3GAN, Get Out, A Quiet Place, and Five Nights at Freddy’s, provides ample material for parody.
As anticipation builds for the Scary Movie reboot, fans and critics alike are eager to see which modern horror films will be lampooned and whether any original cast members will make a return. With a legacy of successful parody and a modern array of horror classics to draw from, the reboot promises to rejuvenate the franchise and introduce its unique brand of humour to a new generation.