Here at Empire, we believe that all films are important, of course. Undeniably though, there are ‘important films’, awards-worthy dramas that tackle serious issues, destined to possibly change the world. But who decided that can only be bestowed upon stony-faced biopics and ten-tissue weepies? Enter Scary Movie (aka ‘Scary Movie 6’), the long-awaited return of the super-successful horror spoof series, with original creators the Wayans back at the helm, and two decades of modern horror greats to lampoon. What if Scary Movie can heal the world?
“People want to feel good again,” Marlon Wayans tells Empire, as he readies to release Scary Movie’s comeback. “It’s been a long time since we felt good, and laughter is bonding, and when was the last time we all came together as a country, as a world, to just sit down and laugh at each other and with each other?” Penned alongside his brothers Shawn Wayans and Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon hopes that the new Scary Movie can unite everyone in its no-holds-barred humour – even in an era where comic boundaries are more rigid than before. “It’s okay if the audience goes [wincing sound], ‘Ooooooh!’” he says. “If they go, ‘Oooooh!’, you don’t turn away from that. You go, ‘Okay they’re listening. Now let me keep digging until I find the laughter.’ There’s no fear in comedy. You can’t be timid.”
This time around, the Wayans have plenty of ammo: the Halloween requels, a decade of A24 arthouse horror, a slasher resurgence, an entire Conjuring saga, and – of course – the revival of Scream itself. Though, Shawn Wayans left it to his brothers to get into the more nightmarish end of the 21st Century horror spectrum. “I don’t have the strongest stomach for horror,” he admits. “When it gets too dark, it makes the hair on my arms stand up and I’m just like, ‘Yo, this is creepy, man.’” Sounds like everyone could use a big laugh.
Read Empire’s full Scary Movie feature – speaking to the Wayans on their journey with (and without) the comedy franchise, and its glorious return – in the Aliens issue, on sale Thursday May 7. Pre-order online here. Scary Movie comes to UK cinemas from June 5.
