In a major boost for theatrical comedies and the power of nostalgia, the long-awaited Scary Movie reboot is tracking for a robust $45 million to $50 million domestic opening weekend, according to industry estimates reported by Variety.

The film hits theaters this Friday, June 5, positioning it as a frontrunner in what promises to be a competitive box office battle against A24’s horror sensation Backrooms.

The return of original stars Anna Faris and Regina Hall, alongside the Wayans brothers, has generated significant buzz. More than 25 years after the franchise launched with a record-breaking opening in 2000, Scary Movie aims to recapture the irreverent, pop culture-skewering spirit that defined the early 2000s comedy landscape.

Directed by Michael Tiddes, the film reunites core cast members for a fresh round of chaotic horror parody.

Faris reprises her role as the accident-prone Cindy Campbell, while Hall returns as the sharp-tongued Brenda Meeks. Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans are back as Shorty Meeks and Ray Wilkins, respectively, with additional support from returning favorites like Jon Abrahams, Cheri Oteri, and other Wayans family members including Damon Wayans Jr.

The ensemble brings decades of chemistry to a story that finds the friends targeted once again by a masked killer amid a barrage of modern horror tropes.

The plot follows the group as they confront familiar threats and spoof everything from Get Out, Scream, and M3GAN to newer hits like Longlegs and even Backrooms. Screenwriters Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Craig Wayans, and Rick Alvarez crafted an original script packed with timely references, physical comedy, and the franchise’s signature boundary-pushing humor.

Produced on a reported $30-35 million budget by Miramax and distributed by Paramount Pictures, the project marks a full-circle moment for the creative team.

The Wayans brothers, who helped create the original Scary Movie in 2000, were notably absent from later installments after disputes with the Weinstein-era Miramax. Their reunion, the first in writing and producing since Scary Movie 2 -adds layers of authenticity and fan excitement.

Marlon Wayans has been particularly vocal on social media, teasing the film’s ambitious scope and emotional cast reunions during filming in Atlanta.

Public Reaction

Industry observers point to several factors driving the strong pre-release tracking. Horror comedies have shown resilience at the box office, and audiences appear hungry for lighter, self-aware fare after a string of intense elevated horror releases.

The film’s R-rated sensibility, combined with broad generational appeal -millennials reliving their youth and younger viewers discovering the franchise creates a potent mix. Pre-sales have accelerated in recent days, with many fans already securing tickets for opening weekend.

If projections hold, the opening would rank among the franchise’s strongest and could surpass the $49.7 million debut of Scary Movie 4 (unadjusted for inflation), setting a new series record. Success would also signal a potential revival for spoof comedies, a genre that has struggled in recent years amid the dominance of IP-driven blockbusters and streaming.

Competition this weekend is noteworthy. A24’s Backrooms, which exploded with an $81 million debut last frame, is expected to hold well in its second weekend, likely earning $48-50 million. Amazon MGM’s Masters of the Universe, targeting $30-35 million, adds further family and action competition.

Yet analysts believe the distinct tones -outright comedy versus pure horror and adventure allow the films to coexist rather than directly cannibalize audiences.

Beyond domestic performance, international prospects look promising given the franchise’s global recognition. The film’s marketing has leaned heavily into nostalgia, with trailers highlighting returning characters and rapid-fire gags.

The official poster, featuring a panicked Anna Faris fleeing a motley crew of pursuers on a suburban street, perfectly encapsulates the chaotic energy fans loved in the originals.

Critics and early reactions remain mixed but lean positive on the cast chemistry, though some question whether the parody format can fully land with today’s audiences accustomed to meta-horror like Scream. Regardless, the sheer star power and cultural callback have ignited social media conversations, with #ScaryMovie trending as fans express everything from unbridled excitement to skeptical curiosity.

For Paramount and Miramax, a strong opening validates their partnership and first-look deal. A hit could pave the way for further installments or even spin-offs, capitalizing on renewed interest in the property.

For the broader industry, it underscores the enduring draw of theatrical event movies built on familiar faces and playful genre commentary.

As theaters prepare for what some are calling a “scary good” weekend, Scary Movie stands as a reminder of comedy’s power to unite audiences.