When Shawn and Marlon Wayans returned to the franchise «Scary Movie» , they did it on their own terms.
The brothers who helped create the cult horror parody franchise with Keenen Ivory Wayans have reunited to write and produce. «Scary Movie 6» , marking the first time in 18 years that they've collaborated on an original script for a franchise. As Blavity previously reported, Rick Alvarez also produced the film, and Keenen Ivory Wayans returned as director.
Their return also comes after several years of public statements from Marlon Wayans about how the family lost control of the franchise following Miramax's deal with former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. For the brothers, ownership and creative control were not just business considerations, but personal ones.
Shawn and Marlon Wayans have been open about the fact that this time around, they have ownership and creative control over the project.
When asked what it means to return to the franchise with ownership and creative control, Shawn Wayans had a simple answer.
«"That means they can't fire us this time," he joked in an interview with AFROTECH.
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Marlon Wayans explained that having ownership ensures that creators remain connected to the projects they develop.
«"I think it's important because, as Sean said, it ensures that you're connected and attached to what you're creating," Marlon said. "It's like your brainchild as an artist, and no one should ever have the right to remove you from your project.".
While he admitted that losing touch with the franchise wasn't the most enjoyable experience, he said returning to the sixth installment is ultimately about giving audiences what they loved about the original films.
«"The most rewarding thing is to come back and make a sixth installment, to get people going to the theaters and laughing again," he said. "That's what we Waynes love: laughter.".
Why the Wayans Brothers Didn't Come Back to Keep Their Legacy Alive
Original the film "Scary Movie"« became a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 2000, breaking records as the highest-grossing R-rated horror film at the time and becoming one of the most successful films directed by a Black director.
Given the family's long-standing influence on comedy through projects such as «In Living Color» , the brothers were asked if they felt a return to «Scary Movie» any pressure to maintain the Wayans legacy while simultaneously moving it forward.
«"I don't think we really think about it that way," Sean said.
Marlon agreed, joking that focusing on legacy would only create unnecessary pressure. The brothers laughed at the idea that the new film could somehow tarnish the family name. Instead, according to Shawn, they approached the project the same way they've approached their work throughout their careers: focusing on what makes them laugh.
«"Our approach is: We have something funny. We have something cool," Sean said. "Who can we bring in to make it really funny? How can we make this movie the funniest it can be for audiences?"»
Why Social Media and TikTok Haven't Changed Their Approach to Comedy
While comedy has changed significantly in the age of TikTok and social media, Marlon said the Wayans family's comedic style remains as relevant as ever.
«"I think we have our own distinctive brand of humor that works across generations," he said.
According to Marlon, many of the viral comedy trends circulating online today are simply the result of younger audiences rediscovering concepts popularized by the Wayans family decades ago.
«"A lot of the videos they're making are videos we made 30 years ago," he said.
Sean added that the creators often reimagine materials and styles that the family was involved in developing many years ago.
As for the Wayans brothers, the formula hasn't changed: make something funny and trust the audience to figure it out.
The article "Shawn and Marlon Wayans say ownership and creative control of 'Scary Movie 6' meant they wouldn't be fired" first appeared on AfroTech.
The article "Shawn and Marlon Wayans say ownership and creative control of 'Scary Movie 6' meant they wouldn't be fired" first appeared on AfroTech.