Key Insights
- The upcoming Scary Movie reboot should satirize contemporary horror trends such as social media influencers and cliched slasher films.
- Previous Scary Movies lampooned iconic films like Scream, The Exorcist, and Paranormal Activity.
- The new installment ought to reference recent successes like Smile and The Black Phone to remain pertinent.
Growing up in the 90s, I was a huge fan of the Scary Movie series. I still recall watching one of the films in the cinema when I was a pre-teen, with our mothers seated in another row. Their reactions to the sometimes risqué jokes were mixed, but they understood our appreciation for the comedic take on the horror genre. My fascination with chilling tales started even earlier, as I first watched Carrie at the tender age of eleven—perhaps a bit too young for that Stephen King classic. The Scary Movie franchise beautifully illustrates that it’s feasible to find humor in enduring horror clichés and narratives.
So, I was delighted when Variety announced that the Wayan Bros. are bringing Scary Movie back for a reboot, and I’m eagerly anticipating its release. I have some thoughts on which horror films should be parodied in the Scary Movie reboot.
What Should The Wayan Bros. Include In Their Scary Movie Reboot?
In my opinion, the Scary Movie reboot should take jabs at the current trend of remakes and sequels, reminiscent of Scream (2022) and Scream 6. While the original featured a unique twist on Ghostface with Doofy Gilmore (Dave Sheridan), this reboot should explore how the character of Ghostface has transformed throughout the series. Unlike the franchise’s early antagonists, who were often linked to Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) or her relatives, later villains have a desire for fame. This gives Scary Movie a brilliant chance to introduce a killer who is a social media star, influencer, or reality TV figure. This concept is both comical and timely.
Furthermore, I suggest that the Scary Movie reboot should include a character who relishes in the joy of watching guilty pleasure, cheesy horror films. Given that Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega) already explored elevated horror in Scream (2022), introducing a character with similar tastes might feel redundant. Instead, the film should mock the ridiculousness of films like The Open House and the latest entry in the series, Jeepers Creepers: Reborn.
It would also add an entertaining twist if the Scary Movie reboot took aim at recent significant horror films like Smile and The Black Phone. While The Black Phone delivers its scares through poignant storytelling, a version of The Grabber could serve as the reboot’s antagonist. Additionally, the film could feature a villain whose eerie grin mirrors that of the entity in Smile. Regardless of who the Wayan Bros. decide to include as the foe, it’s clear that these characters have significantly influenced modern horror, making it worthwhile to integrate them into the new film. A fresh Scary Movie would be incomplete without a humorous spin on all those unsettling smiles.
Which Horror Films Did The Scary Movie Franchise Spoof?
The original Scary Movie parodies numerous well-known horror movies, such as The Blair Witch Project, Friday the 13th, The Sixth Sense, The Shining, and Halloween. The first installment notably satirizes Scream as its primary focus. The memorable opening scene features Carmen Electra portraying Drew Decker, a playful nod to Drew Barrymore’s role as Casey Becker. As fans await the Scream 7 opening, nothing can truly rival Casey’s iconic scene. The protagonist, Cindy Campbell, combines elements of two legendary final girls from horror: Julie James from I Know What You Did Last Summer and Sidney Prescott from Scream.
Sequels continued the tradition, with Scary Movie 2 including a memorable spoof of The Exorcist, Scary Movie 3 lampooning Signs and The Ring, and Scary Movie 4 referencing The Grudge, Saw, The Village, and War of the Worlds. Lastly, Scary Movie 5, the least favored entry, focuses on the Blumhouse Paranormal Activity franchise, alongside Black Swan and Mama.
It will be fascinating to see which horror films are targeted in the upcoming Scary Movie. As reported by Variety, the Wayans brothers—Keenen Ivory, Shawn, and Marlon—expressed their enthusiasm for the Scary Movie reboot, echoing sentiments shared by fans. Their statement highlights:
“We couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the new ‘Scary Movie’ and work with each other again. We created this franchise over 20 years ago, and we remember audiences laughing aloud. We’re eager to recreate that experience. Collaborating with Jonathan Glickman and his team at the refreshed Miramax to bring these laughs back to the big screen is thrilling. It’s like a reunion on multiple levels.”
Image Credits: Gamerant.com
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