As Wayans fans prepare for the latest installment of “Scary Movie,” Malcolm D. Lee, director of the franchise’s fifth installment, has shared his raw thoughts on the film he lent a hand to.
During the screening of “Strung” at the 2026 American Black Film Festival in Miami, Florida, Lee shared a few words with Baller Alert about his legacy in Hollywood. During the chat, he was asked which film in his impressive catalog was his favorite, though Lee praised each of his works.
“I can’t do that. It’s like naming one of my favorite kids. I can’t do it publicly. I’m proud of every movie I’ve done,” he said before dropping a humorous bombshell. “Not every one. ‘Scary Movie 5,’ no. I hate that movie.”
When pressed about what went wrong during filming of the 2013 movie, Lee played coy, choosing to keep his reasons lighthearted.
“There’s so many reasons. Too much to go into right now,” he stated.
“Scary Movie 5” was released by Dimension Films on April 12, 2013. Despite bringing in $78.4 million on a $20 million budget, the production was the worst-reviewed and lowest-grossing film in the franchise.
Controversially, the Wayans family was not creatively involved in “Scary Movie 5.” Fans have long pointed to this factor as the reason why the fifth installment was not their favorite. The first two Scary Movie films were created and heavily shaped by Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Shawn Wayans. They also contributed to “Scary Movie 3” and “Scary Movie 4” in more limited capacities.
However, by the time “Scary Movie 5” was made, the Wayans brothers were no longer involved as writers, producers, directors, or stars.
Now, with the sixth installment, titled simply “Scary Movie,” slated for a June 5, 2026 release, the Wayans brothers are once again at the helm, with their day-one audience eager to see the latest spin on the beloved parody franchise.
