'Scary Movie' Makes a Killer Return, Opening to Franchise-Record $105.5 Million Worldwide
The Scary Movie franchise returned with a record-breaking $105.5 million global opening, reuniting the original cast after 20 years. The film became Paramount’s highest-grossing comedy and the biggest R-rated comedy debut in over a decade.
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Paramount Pictures and Miramax’s *Scary Movie* opened to $105.5 million worldwide, marking the franchise’s largest debut both domestically and internationally. The film earned $55 million in the U.S. and $50.5 million overseas, surpassing Paramount’s previous comedy records. This performance also made it the biggest R-rated comedy opening in over a decade, solidifying its return as a major box office draw. The Core Four—Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, Anna Faris, and Regina Hall—reunited for the first time in 20 years, reviving the franchise’s signature horror parodies.
The marketing campaign, led by President of Worldwide Marketing & Distribution Josh Goldstine, leveraged cultural moments to keep the film relevant. The first trailer debuted in theaters ahead of *Scream 7*, generating 300 million views through fan recordings before its official online release. The official trailer launch amassed 410 million views in seven days, becoming Paramount’s second-biggest trailer debut. The campaign extended beyond traditional ads with digital content and experiential stunts, including a Times Square activation and a recreation of the *Scary Movie 2* Nike parody.
Social media engagement for the film exceeded 1 billion combined views, driven by original creative and interactive activations. The campaign’s strategy included reacting to viral trends and reintroducing unapologetic R-rated comedy to younger audiences. The film’s promotional efforts deliberately targeted modern horror titles like *Sinners*, *Weapons*, and *Get Out*, while introducing new characters to attract both legacy fans and new viewers. The approach aimed to blend nostalgia with contemporary relevance.
The new *Scary Movie* installment parodies recent horror trends, including reboots, remakes, and elevated horror films. The film targets popular franchises and standalone horror hits while expanding its cast to include fresh faces. Now playing in theaters, tickets are available at scarymovie.film. The franchise’s return underscores its enduring appeal, blending classic humor with modern cultural references.