Marlon Wayans Embraces Edginess in Return to Scary Movie Franchise

FIRST ON FOX When Marlon Wayans announced the revival of the iconic Scary Movie franchise, excitement surged through fans, mixed with apprehension. Many feared that the new installment would stray from the bold and edgy humor that defined the series in the early 2000s. However, Wayans quickly assuaged those concerns during a recent interview.

Reviving a Cultural Phenomenon

The Scary Movie films parody some of the most celebrated horror films. Classics like Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and The Ring received a comedic treatment that fans cherished. These films aren’t just jokes; they tackle sensitive topics like race, body image, disability, and more.

Marlon Wayans, who portrayed Shorty Meeks in the original Scary Movie and its sequel, expressed his enthusiasm for the series’ comeback.

In a post on X, he wrote, “After nearly 20 years, the Wayans brothers are finally going to give the fans what they’ve been asking for… a return to the SCARY MOVIE franchise! We’re looking forward to having fun on the big screen again.” This announcement sparked a wave of nostalgia among long-time fans.

Concerns about Political Correctness

Many fans echoed a common refrain as excitement grew: “Please don’t go woke.” They expressed concerns that the franchise might lose its edge and become too politically correct.

Wayans reassured fans, stating, “Well, the Wayans, we were always woke-ish. You have to pull from woke because that means you are aware. But you have to be an equal-opportunity offender. You have to explore both sides.” His philosophy on comedy emphasizes inclusiveness and the importance of not taking sides in humor.

Exploring Humor without Boundaries

Wayans elaborated on his comedic approach, highlighting that earlier works like In Living Color and White Chicks, often labeled as woke, still managed to deliver laughter. He said, “When it comes to humor, it’s not about woke. It’s about exploring the woke to find the humor. There’s humor everywhere.” His focus remains on delivering humor without restrictions.

What’s on the Horizon for Scary Movie?

As for the specific horror films he plans to lampoon, Wayans maintains an open approach, asserting, “Everything’s on the table.” This flexibility suggests a fresh take on both classic and contemporary horror films.

He remarked on the current flourishing state of the horror genre, believing it is entering a new era of creativity. Wayans hinted at the infusion of new talents alongside established stars who have innovative ideas, aiming to elevate filmmaking.

Bringing Back the Original Cast

Wayans expressed hope for reuniting the original cast, stating, “You know, we’re trying to bring the band back together. We’ll see. I can’t make any promises. But we’re looking to have a nice, fun, ‘Scary’ reunion.” His commitment to collaboration signals a potential return to the beloved, classic ensemble that fans adore.

The Wayans Family Philosophy on Humor

The distinctive humor of the Wayans family extends beyond scares and laughs. In discussing the backlash over White Chicks, Wayans challenged critics, pointing out that the film is beloved by its audience. “Every time we bring a Wayans project, we’re always going to have that flavor. We are equal opportunity offenders, no holds barred,” he explained.

Wayans emphasized that the goal of their comedy is to provoke laughter rather than hurt feelings. He articulated the belief that even those who are the subjects of their humor should share a laugh. He declared that mockery can be a form of flattery, showcasing their unique humor style.

Fighting Back Against Cancel Culture

The recent media climate has placed many comedians under scrutiny. Wayans acknowledged the attempts to “cancel” the Wayans family for projects like White Chicks, which he insists cannot succeed because the humor resonates with an audience that appreciates it. He humorously stated, “You know who loves White Chicks the most? White chicks. So we told the joke the right way. And that’s just how we do our family humor.”

Wayans continues to forge ahead with his career, currently on his ‘Wild Child’ tour, performing in major cities across the nation. Fans eager to see him live can find tickets on his official website. Additionally, he recently released a comedy special titled Good Grief, currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

A Legacy of Laughter

Looking forward, Wayans remains dedicated to honoring the essence of the Scary Movie franchise. He aims to provide audiences with the humor they crave in a manner that remains true to the unapologetic style that defined the earlier films. As he prepares for this new chapter, fans eagerly anticipate the return of both the franchise and its beloved cast.