Exclusive: Shawn Wayans Says Scary Movie Will Teach Gen Z A Lesson In Comedy

Twenty-six years may seem like too long a wait for a killer to return, but the Wayans will definitely make it worthwhile. Scary Movie is returning to theaters this June 5, 2026. In an interview exclusively with Where Is The Buzz, star Shawn Wayans and director Michael Tiddes shared their plans for the biggest event of the year, which promises to leave an impression.

A Legacy Based on Freedom from Everything

Shawn Wayans’ main secret to Scary Movie’s popularity when it first came out is very simple: freedom.

“That era of comedy was really special,” he shared. “What was special about it was it was pure comedy. We didn’t have the internet. We didn’t have social media. We didn’t have nothing to interrupt the laughter.” Wayans admits that finding such a period again is difficult, but not impossible.

“We’re actually going to try to attempt to do it, to get people to just laugh again,” he said. “Put the phone down. Don’t type what you feel about the joke. Just put it down and take it in and enjoy the experience of laughter amongst each other.”

A Director Continues to Become Even Better

Michael Tiddes sees working on this comeback as a huge achievement in his career and personal life. Tiddes has been working with the Wayans brothers and other members of the family for years and knows perfectly well that filming with the core cast always has something unique about it.

“It’s always an evolution as far as your skill in general, but with these guys it just gets better and better,” Tiddes said. “I’m lucky to be able to do what I love with the people I love. When we get together, there’s just an energy on set, we’re all just having fun and pushing the envelope for comedy every time.”

Not Afraid of Sensitivity and Social Media

Modern audiences tend to speak louder and be more sensitive. But the writers decided not to let the latter affect them.

“We’re not even really thinking about that,” Wayans said plainly. “All we were thinking about is what’s funny and do we all think it’s funny? If we think it’s funny, the audience should think it’s funny.” He did, however, have a message for younger viewers: “I feel like your generation is a little sensitive right now, but I also think you guys need to be taught that it’s okay to laugh without criticism. If it’s not funny to you, just don’t laugh. But if it’s funny, go laugh your head off and have a great time.”

“I think they’re ready,” Tiddes added. “I think they understand the assignment. We definitely crossed all lines, and we did it in a traditional, stylistic way. We’re going to bring it.”

The Gang’s All Here, and Nobody is Safe

Returning in the lead roles are Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall as the original Core Four of Scary Movie. At the same time, Kenan Thompson, Kim Wayans, Damon Wayans Jr., Cheri Oteri, Heidi Gardner, and many others join them. Everything in the horror genre since the original release will be targeted for ridicule: reboots, remakes, requels, elevated horror, origin stories, and every “final chapter” ending with a sequel announcement.

Who do you think might have enough chances to survive until the end credits roll? As the Wayans brothers told us, no one is safe.

“We’re equal opportunity offenders,” he admitted. “You got to die.”

Scary Movie comes out on June 5, 2026.