Marlon Wayans Still Furious Over Losing ‘Scary Movie’ Franchise to Weinsteins
Marlon Wayans is set to revive ‘Scary Movie’ with his family, but the journey to reclaiming the franchise has been challenging. In a recent interview with The Daily Beast, the actor and comedian expressed his ongoing frustration about losing control of the beloved comedy series after the second installment.
Wayans revealed that the original ‘Scary Movie’ films were developed by him and his brothers, Keenen and Shawn Wayans. The first two movies achieved massive success in the early 2000s, generating hundreds of millions of dollars globally. However, despite their achievements, the family claims they were ousted from the franchise by producers Harvey and Bob Weinstein when it was time to produce the third film.
The issues began when the brothers sought better compensation following the success of the initial films. Instead of accommodating their request, the studio allegedly proceeded without them.
“We got an announcement on New Year’s Eve that they were doing ‘Scary Movie 3,’” Wayans recounted. “The franchise was stripped from us. And we were just asking for our fair share.”
The experience continues to trouble him. He noted that the Wayans family never anticipated losing the series they had created. The franchise went on to release several sequels without their involvement, while the original creators distanced themselves from the films that became cultural phenomena.
Wayans also asserted that the family did not receive adequate financial compensation from the first two films. He mentioned to The Daily Beast that they believed they were shortchanged on royalties from the movies’ earnings.
“They absolutely did,” he stated when asked if the Weinsteins had cheated them financially. “There are auditors that will handle those things.”
Despite the lingering frustration, Wayans has chosen to move forward rather than dwell on anger. He said, “What they did is between them and God. I can’t hold hate and hurt in my heart if I want to evolve.”
The emotional weight of the story deepened after Wayans made a promise to his father before he passed away. He shared that his father wanted the brothers to reunite, believing they produced their best work together.
“My father said, ‘I think you and your brothers should work together again,’” Wayans revealed. “Then he whispered, ‘Do it for me.’”
This promise has helped unite the family for the upcoming ‘Scary Movie’ reboot, scheduled to hit theaters on June 5. This time, the Wayans family asserts they finally have the creative control and partnership they always desired.
Miramax CEO Jonathan Glickman also expressed his intention to rectify past mistakes. He mentioned that the studio has provided the Wayans family with a much better deal for the new film, ensuring they have authority over the script, casting, and production decisions.
Wayans emphasizes that this new film is not merely another sequel. For him, it holds personal significance.
“This isn’t ‘Scary Movie 6,’” he stated. “This is a reboot.”
The comedian believes that now is an ideal time for audiences to enjoy laughter again after challenging years filled with stress and loss.
“We’re here to remind people what it’s like to laugh and feel good,” Wayans concluded.
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