Scary Movie 2: The Outrageous Spoof Comedy Sequel | Behind the Scenes

The Making of the Spoof Comedy Sequel Scary Movie 2

In 2000, the spoof comedy film Scary Movie became a surprise hit, grossing over $270 million worldwide. Riding high on its success, Dimension Films greenlit a sequel that same year. Thus, Scary Movie 2 was born, serving up even more outrageous slapstick comedy and parody moments that parody popular horror films.

Developing the Story and Characters

While the first Scary Movie primarily spoofed the Scream franchise and I Know What You Did Last Summer, the sequel took aim at The Exorcist and The Haunting. Writers Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans developed an outline focused on supernatural haunted house horror with demons, ghosts, and over-the-top comedic hijinks.

The story follows a group of teens invited to participate in a parapsychology study at a haunted house, only to end up possessed or chased by ghosts and a levitating spastic woman. Several of the lead actors returned, including Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Keenen Ivory Wayans as the director.

Expanding the Spoofs

In addition to directly spoofing scary movies, Scary Movie 2 packed even more subtle homages and references into the background. Fans of horror films can catch clever parodies of everything from Nosferatu to The Sixth Sense.

By branching the comedy out to wider range of horror and suspense thrillers, the franchise could keep delivering outrageous yet hilarious punchlines without growing repetitive. The tongue-in-cheek references rewarded loyal fans for catching every cameo and character name.

Memorable Comedy Moments

Regina Hall stole most scenes as the levitating, twisted-body Brenda. One fan favorite moment comes when Brenda does an Exorcist-style spider walk down the stairs in an impossible, gravity-defying contortion. Hall's facial expressions and commitment to the outrageous physical comedy leveraged the supernatural premise for laughs.

Meanwhile, Anna Faris' comedic timing shines through in more subtle ways. For example, when her character Cindy panics and flails her arms while letting out an extended scream of “Brenda!”, it perfectly encapsulates the blend of horror elements exaggerated for comedic effect.

Critical Reception and Box Office Success

While critics gave mixed reviews, appreciating the consistent low-brow laughs but critiquing the disjointed storyline, that didn't stop audiences from turning out. Scary Movie 2 dominated the box office when it opened in July 2001, winning the weekend by a wide margin with over $20 million grossed.

It ultimately grossed $141 million worldwide based on its modest $45 million budget. While the domestic total didn’t match the original, the international box office haul grew substantially for the horror spoof sequel. Between home video sales and rentals, the Scary Movie franchise remained very profitable for Dimension Films moving forward.

Legacy of Scary Movie 2

As of 2023, the Scary Movie franchise stands at a whopping five films total if you include the direct-to-DVD installments. However, fans and critics alike consider the Wayans brothers’ Scary Movie 1 & 2 to be the pinnacle of the series.

The sequel built successfully on everything that worked - the goofy caricatures parodying popular horror movies, the slapstick physical comedy, and the fearless mocking of genre conventions. While later films in the franchise attempted to recapture the magic, many consider Scary Movie 2 the last truly great entry worth rewatching.

Beyond laughs, Scary Movie 2 showcases the comedic talents of Regina Hall and Anna Faris. Both actresses landed their breakout roles in the franchise and built wildly successful comedy careers off their performances. Over 20 years later, Brenda and Cindy remain their most iconic roles.

FAQs

What horror movies does Scary Movie 2 spoof?

Scary Movie 2 primarily spoofs The Haunting and The Exorcist with the haunted house and demonic possession storylines. It also references many other classic horror films like The Shining, What Lies Beneath, Poltergeist, The Sixth Sense, and more.

Who are the main cast members in Scary Movie 2?

Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, and Shawn Wayans reprise their roles from the first movie. New additions include James Woods, Tim Curry, Tori Spelling, Chris Elliot, and more. Keenen Ivory Wayans returned as director.

When was Scary Movie 2 released?

Scary Movie 2 was released in theaters on July 4, 2001. It had a budget of $45 million and went on to gross over $141 million worldwide.

Why is Scary Movie 2 considered the best in the franchise?

Many fans and critics believe Scary Movie 1 & 2 represent the peak of the franchise's success before subsequent sequels failed to live up to the originals. Scary Movie 2 expanded the parody premises while keeping the hilarious spirit.