Unlucky for us, it's been 13 years since the last Scary Movie, but our fortunes change on 12th June, when Scary Movie 6 hits our screens – and the first trailer has dropped.
There’s so much crammed into that film that if the credits ended with ‘thanks to all the other horror films’ then listed them one by one, it’d be rolling on for another 15 minutes. But then the whole franchise is one giant love letter to the horror genre. Where would Scary Movie be without all the other scary movies? Scary Movie 6 continues to take controversial chunks and sharp bites out of the very genre (and society) it is part of and liberally spits out gobs across every frame.
You could say it gorily bites and gorges on the hand that feeds it, then spectacularly vomits them all back out to gruesome, giggly effect. Now that’s meta. And we can’t say we haven’t been warned: ‘There are no safe spaces. Every line will be crossed.’
Rich with references, fans have been busily playing spot-the-visual-nods and gags like it’s a new game of bingo.
The sixth outing for the franchise that prides itself on its parody skills is stuffed to its giggle-inducing ghoulish gills with visual gags and snubs. Undoubtedly a treat, the trailer showcases the film’s masterful take-down of the genre.
Ghostface (Scream 6)
I mean, I know his appearances in Scary Movie are poking fun, but he’s still scary, right? Loathe him or laugh at him – Ghostface returns! Which is no surprise, except he plays a prime spot in the scene that is a prime take-down of Scream. We see him in action in a subway scene. Yes, they went there.
There’s a pleasing dig at Neve Campbell’s absence, too.
M3GAN
How we love to fear scary AI. How about mashing that fear in with ghoulish Ghostface? The most unlovely combo: Ghostface dressed as M3GAN, spliced together to bizarre and hilarious effect.
Leatherface
Imagine sharing a train carriage with a gang of iconic killers. Actually, don’t. Watch the Scary Movie 6 trailer instead. Leatherface, the chainsaw-wielding villain in Texas Chainsaw Massacre, is a fully-fledged member.
And that isn’t the sound of chainsaws you can hear. It’s the sound of a multi-franchise collision as these vehicles of horror crash into each other. And we love the ensuing chaos!
Jason Voorhees
Also part of the monster mash-up line-up of killers is the masked one from Friday the 13th. We know. It’s a packed train carriage. Jason Voorhees is only at home in eerie, empty environments. Busy metropolitan subways? Not so much.
Be afraid, Voorhees, be very afraid.
Wednesday (Tuesday)
We love the Scary Movie team; they don’t miss a trick. They’re always one step ahead. Or a day in front. The clever flick features plaits-wielding Tuesday, Wednesday’s entirely made-up twin.
See. Always ahead of the pack.
Weapons (2025)
The non-linear, moody Weapons is ripe for the picking when it comes to parody. Will the directors of Weapons see the inclusion of their movie as a badge of honour from the horror upper-set, or a stab in the back?
The Substance
Demi Moore’s celebrity character in the body-horror flick The Substance should watch Scary Movie 6 for its youth-serum plot. It lampoons beauty culture, which is only going to make her feel better about herself, isn’t it?
And the transformation sequences? We’re rubbing our hands in glee in anticipation of all that slapstick the franchise will surely treat us to.
Ma (2019)
There are some characters you never want to clap eyes on again, and that’s what the Scary Movie writers are banking on. Brenda returns, this time channelling Ma – short haircut, similar clothes – there’s no mistaking this demonic identity. She even has the same mannerisms. [Shivers.]
Halloween (2018)
Brace yourself for Cindy Campbell dressed as Laurie Strode. Long blonde hair? Tick. Glasses? Tick. Survivalist? Tick, tick, tick! And she’s turned her trailer into a Fort Knox!
Question is: who’s going to get stuck in there with her?
Sinners (2025)
Sinners might be one of the big winners of the awards season so far, but it doesn’t escape the terrifying clutches of Scary Movie 6, as it toys with the supernatural, blues-inspired, period film.
Like the twins in Sinners, there may be double the trouble – which means double the laughs.
Heart Eyes
No kissing allowed on the train! Look out for snuggling couples and flirtations in the carriage during the subway scene. The horror-movie collective includes ol’ Heart Eyes, and you know what he thinks of smoochers.
No PDAs, please. Your life depends on it.
Malignant
Blink, and you’ll miss it. Was that…? You didn’t imagine it. The parasitic Gabriel is unmistakably spotted in the subway crowd. Let’s hope this teeny-teeny cameo leads to bigger, more horrifying appearances in the movie. Spoke too soon... There it is, with an epic fight scene from Anna Faris...
Terrifier 3 (Art the Clown)
The ultra-violent Art the Clown, is brought down a peg or two with gore, Christmas, and this cruel-crown character’s persona minced through the Scary Movie machine. The clown might think he’s above the rest, but no one is above the Scary Movie treatment.
Let’s see how he fares in that carriage.
Our favourite bit of the trailer? The kids are taking their gifts from a department-store Santa and finding body parts inside. You can bet that wasn’t on their Christmas lists.
What references did we miss? And which are your favourites? Let us know over on X.
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