Paramount/Miramax's reboot of the Wayans brothers' Scary Movie and Amazon MGM Studios' Masters of the Universe, directed by Travis Knight and starring Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, are both eyeing openings of $35 million or more in the first weekend of June. The two films are set to compete head-to-head, marking one of the few weekends this summer with two major studio tentpoles.
Scary Movie, directed by Michael Tiddes, is currently forecasting a debut between $35 million and $40 million. The film is a spiritual sequel to the first two instalments, with Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Keenen Ivory Wayans returning to write and produce alongside Rick Alvarez. Franchise veterans Anna Faris and Regina Hall also return. Early audience tracking shows strong interest among women under 25, followed by men over and under 25.
This sixth entry in the franchise, which began 26 years ago, follows the series' highest North American opening of $49.7 million for Scary Movie 3 in 2003. The five previous films have grossed a combined $896.3 million worldwide, with three opening to at least $40 million domestically.
Amazon MGM Studios' Masters of the Universe is looking at a $35 million start for its reported $170 million-plus production. First choice is strongest among men over 25. The film is a reimagining of the Mattel toy line, following the 1987 adaptation starring Dolph Lundgren, which opened to just $4.8 million domestically and grossed $17.3 million total. The new version aims to overcome that legacy, with a strong cult following expected to turn out on opening weekend.
Both films face a crowded June, with releases including Disclosure Day, Toy Story 5, Supergirl, and Jackass 5 in subsequent weeks. While some analysts predict Masters of the Universe may struggle to recoup its budget, others believe it could exceed $42 million on opening weekend, driven by nostalgia and new interest from fans of recent He-Man animations. Scary Movie is expected to win the weekend, particularly among younger audiences.
