Scary Movie’s Success
2000’s Scary Movie was a massive hit and this new one proves that the Wayans’ partnership with the franchise is a bona fide winning formula with moviegoers. The Wayans Bros. have a built-in audience, and in the end, the movie managed to nab a terrific $55 million opening, the best debut the franchise has ever seen. Overseas, it’s proving just as popular, earning another $50 million for a $105 million worldwide opening weekend. That’s huge, especially since no one was sure the franchise would still have international appeal.
Anna Faris and the Wayans
With as much money as the franchise had earned, it’s a wonder that when Scary Movie 3 rolled around, the Weinsteins felt the need to replace the Wayans after a money dispute. Marlon Wayans opened up about having the franchise taken from them and when that transpired, director Keenen Ivory Wayans asked Anna Faris to refuse doing the sequels. Unfortunately for her, it was much more complicated. According to Variety, Faris was signed on for the sequels and explained,
So, in 2002, that was the last time I’d talked to Keenen. He had called me and said that the franchise had been taken away from them, and he asked me to not do it. It was such a devastating moment in the sense that I admired Keenen so much, and he was asking me to do something, but I was under contract. He said, ‘All they can do is sue you!’ and I’m thinking, ‘I’m living in a one-bedroom apartment by the farmer’s market!’”sponsored content
Anna Faris’ small pay on the films
You might be asking how Faris could be under such financial duress and living in a one-bedroom apartment after starring in two ultra-successful comedies. After explaining her situation with the sequels, Faris was also asked if she wasn’t paid so well by Miramax. She expounded,
When I got the role for Scary Movie, I got a three-picture deal. My new manager celebrated it, but I didn’t know what it meant. What it means is that they can lock you into a movie franchise and not pay you much. I got paid 65,000 Canadian dollars for the first movie, which quickly dissipated after taxes and manager’s fees. And then I wasn’t paid much for the second one or the third one. So, my feelings about the franchise were tough, and I felt so arrogant if I ever dismissed my massive stroke of luck in getting the role of Cindy Campbell. That made me feel grotesque, as though I’d been poisoned by the fame; but at the same time, I felt, fuck, if I’m good enough to compete, let me run with the champs! You know?”
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