Paramount-Miramax’s Scary Movie is set to open with a franchise record of $52.7 million, according to Deadline. The film, featuring a cast including Marlon Wayans and Regina Hall, began screenings on May 27, 2026, across 3,490 theaters.[1]
What happened
According to midday estimates, Scary Movie secured $23.5 million from its first Friday and previews. This marks a significant comeback for the Wayans Brothers, who have not been involved with their franchise since 2001’s Scary Movie 2. “It’s a sweet comeback moment,” noted a representative.
Social media analytics company RelishMix reported that online engagement for the film reached 653 million, exceeding typical horror franchise benchmarks by 2.7 times. “The Scary cast has been around the block and are fully social,” said RelishMix, highlighting Marlon Wayans’ 23.3 million followers as a key factor in the film’s promotional success.
Why it matters
The film’s strong opening weekend signifies a revitalization in the comedy genre, especially for franchises that have not been active in recent years. With nostalgia driving viewership, Scary Movie may set a precedent for similar revivals in the future and attract both older fans and a new generation.[3]
Background
On May 20, 2026, Paramount-Miramax announced plans for Scary Movie, citing a resurgence of interest in the franchise. The previous installment, Scary Movie 2, was released 25 years ago, and the franchise has been largely dormant since then, creating anticipation for this latest entry.[2]
What’s next
The overall weekend box office is expected to surpass $140 million, with the top five movies collectively generating significantly more than in previous years. Scary Movie leads the pack, with analysts closely watching its performance against upcoming releases.
