The sixth instalment of the beloved parody franchise, *Scary Movie*, has hit cinemas, but does it still have the comedic chops to captivate audiences in 2026? As the series reboots itself with familiar faces and predictable gags, it raises the question: has the time come for this spoof comedy to retire gracefully, or can it still deliver the laughs it once did?
A Return to the Familiar
With a release scheduled for 5 June 2026, *Scary Movie VI* attempts to reignite the spark of its predecessors by reuniting co-writers and co-stars Marlon and Shawn Wayans, alongside Anna Faris and Regina Hall. The film opens with a self-referential sequence that mimics the city backdrop of *Scream 6* while harking back to the meta-humour of *Scream 4*. This blend of nostalgia and familiarity is designed to tickle the funny bones of long-time fans, yet the humour struggles to feel fresh.
The plot centres around Sara (Olivia Rose Keegan) and Tuesday (Savannah Lee Nassif), the daughters of the original heroine Cindy Campbell (Faris), who find themselves once again being stalked by a masked killer. With Cindy reuniting with her old allies Brenda (Hall), Shorty (Marlon Wayans), and Ray (Shawn Wayans), the film leans heavily on its legacy while attempting to appeal to a new generation of horror enthusiasts.
A Lack of Fresh Material
While the franchise has historically thrived on timely cultural references, *Scary Movie VI* seems to have missed the mark. It draws primarily from the fifth and sixth *Scream* films, releasing just after a wave of successful horror titles. The absence of more contemporary references leaves the film feeling dated, as it fails to incorporate recent phenomena like *Backrooms* or *Obsession*, which have taken the box office by storm.
In its quest to parody the horror genre, the film lacks the sharp social commentary that once defined it. Instead, it resorts to tired tropes and clichés that do little to elevate the narrative. The Wayans’ connection to the horror genre appears more like a professional obligation than a passionate exploration. They even shy away from making pointed jokes about *Scream 7*, opting for a more subdued critique that falls flat.
Attempts at Humour
Despite its shortcomings, *Scary Movie VI* does feature some standout moments. An extended gag referencing the *Final Destination* series cleverly unfolds in the background, and a few sharp one-liners manage to elicit laughter. However, many of the film’s attempts at humour, including a drawn-out joke about “elevated comedy” that targets Judd Apatow, feel forced and miss the mark.
As the film wades through various horror franchises, it occasionally stumbles upon the absurdity of its predecessors. For instance, while mocking titles like *Terrifier*, the film often resorts to quoting them directly rather than crafting its own unique satire. This reliance on recognizable tropes undermines any potential for innovation and leaves the audience wanting more.
The Wayans’ Legacy
The return of the Wayans brothers, particularly Marlon as the goofy Shorty, injects some much-needed energy into the film. Faris and Hall continue to shine, showcasing their comedic prowess even within the confines of a lacklustre script. Yet, as the film progresses, a sense of bitterness becomes apparent, particularly in the Wayans’ portrayal of younger characters. The jokes often veer into hostile territory, suggesting an underlying disdain for the very generation they are attempting to entertain.
While *Scary Movie VI* is technically competent, it raises critical questions about the relevance of its humour. The film’s attempts at modernity feel overshadowed by a reluctance to engage with the complexities of contemporary horror.
Why it Matters
As audiences continue to evolve, so must the mediums that seek to entertain them. *Scary Movie VI* serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation in comedy. While it attempts to pay homage to its roots, the film’s failure to fully embrace the present may signal the end of an era for this beloved franchise. In a landscape where bold new ideas thrive, the Wayans would do well to either adapt or step aside, lest their legacy be reduced to mere echoes of laughter from a bygone era.
