—Kel McKnight, B1Daily

For years, fans wondered whether the Scary Movie franchise could ever recapture the chaotic energy that made the first two films comedy classics. In 2026, that question finally received an answer, and according to many moviegoers, the return of Marlon Wayans was exactly what the franchise needed.

After a 25-year absence from the series he helped create, Wayans returned alongside his brother Shawn Wayans, bringing the irreverent humor and fearless parody that defined the franchise’s golden era.

The biggest strength of Scary Movie 6 is that it remembers what made the original films work. Instead of trying to be a polished Hollywood comedy, the movie embraces absurdity, pop culture chaos, and rapid-fire jokes aimed at everything from modern horror movies to celebrity culture and current events.

Marlon Wayans’ return as Shorty instantly injects the film with energy, and the reunion with Anna Faris and Regina Hall gives longtime fans a heavy dose of nostalgia. The film has also enjoyed a strong commercial debut, becoming the biggest opening in franchise history.

Not every critic has been impressed, with reviews remaining mixed, but audiences appear far more receptive to the Wayans-led revival than they were to later installments made without the family’s creative involvement. The movie’s success suggests that fans were eager to see the original comedic architects reclaim their creation.

Whether viewers love every joke or not, one thing is difficult to deny: Marlon Wayans showed up, brought back the franchise’s signature attitude, and proved that the Scary Movie brand still has life left in it. For fans who grew up quoting Shorty’s one-liners, Scary Movie 6 feels less like a sequel and more like a long-overdue homecoming.

—Kel McKnight, B1Daily