The Cast Of Scary Movie: Where Are Cindy, Brenda, And Shorty Now? (2026 Reboot Update)

The horror-comedy landscape is buzzing with news that is anything but scary. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, the long-dormant Scary Movie franchise is officially back from the dead, with a new installment, Scary Movie 6, confirmed for a 2026 release. This highly anticipated reboot is not just a fresh start; it's a massive reunion, bringing back the core comedic genius that defined the early 2000s parody genre.

The biggest question for fans has always been: Will Cindy Campbell, Brenda Meeks, and Shorty Meeks return? The answer is a resounding yes. With the Wayans brothers back at the creative helm, the franchise is set to return to the tone of the original films, promising to skewer the latest horror blockbusters. But before we dive into the new production, let's look at the full cast history and what the stars have been up to since they last faced a masked killer.

The Core Trio: Where Are They Now and Their Return to Scary Movie 6

The heart and soul of the Scary Movie franchise lies in its three most recognizable characters: the perpetually confused final girl, the loud and iconic best friend, and the stoner comic relief. Their return is the linchpin of the upcoming reboot.

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Anna Faris as Cindy Campbell (Scary Movie 1–4, 6)

Anna Faris is synonymous with the parody genre, having masterfully played the role of Cindy Campbell in the first four films. Her physical comedy and commitment to the character’s naive innocence made her the perfect anchor for the chaotic world of Scary Movie.

• Most Recent Projects: Faris has continued her comedic reign. In 2024, she starred in the action-comedy sequel My Spy: The Eternal City. She also has several other projects in development, including Summer Madness and Golddiggers.
• Career Evolution: Since her last outing as Cindy, Faris starred in the hit CBS sitcom Mom and led the romantic comedy Overboard (2018). Her successful podcast, Anna Faris is Unqualified, has also solidified her status as a major comedic voice outside of film.
• The Return: Faris is officially back as Cindy Campbell for Scary Movie 6, reuniting with her original castmates to once again survive the onslaught of horror clichés.

Regina Hall as Brenda Meeks (Scary Movie 1–4, 6)

Brenda Meeks, the sassy, scene-stealing best friend, is arguably the franchise's most quoted character. Regina Hall’s high-energy performance gave us some of the most memorable moments of the early films, from the famous movie theater scene to her relentless pursuit of a good time.

• Most Recent Projects: Hall has successfully transitioned into more dramatic and critically acclaimed roles. Her performance in the satire film Support the Girls earned her widespread praise. More recently, she starred in the comedy Me Time (2022) and has upcoming projects in 2025, including the films O'Dessa and One Battle After Another, as well as a voice role in The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants.
• Career Evolution: Hall has become a powerhouse producer, with her company, Rh Negative, producing unscripted programming with MGM Alternative, including a Girls Trip-inspired game show.
• The Return: Hall is confirmed to reprise her role as Brenda for Scary Movie 6, ensuring that the Woodsboro-adjacent chaos will have its most vocal critic back in the fold.

Marlon Wayans as Shorty Meeks (Scary Movie 1–2, 6)

Marlon Wayans’ Shorty Meeks, the perpetually high brother of Brenda, was the source of much of the franchise's absurdist humor, providing the iconic line, "Wazzup!" His return is significant, as he was absent from the later installments.

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• Most Recent Projects: Marlon Wayans has maintained a prolific career in comedy and film. His latest stand-up special, Marlon Wayans: Good Grief, premiered on Amazon Prime Video in June 2024, hitting number one on the platform.
• Career Evolution: Beyond stand-up, Wayans has written, produced, and starred in other successful horror-spoof films like A Haunted House (2013) and has been developing a new American version of "Midnight Horror."
• The Return: Not only is Wayans returning as Shorty, but he is also co-writing and producing Scary Movie 6 alongside his brothers, Shawn and Keenen Ivory Wayans, who directed the first two films. This creative reunion promises a return to the franchise's original, sharp comedic roots.

The Surprising Comebacks and New Blood in Scary Movie 6

The core trio's return is just the beginning. The Scary Movie 6 cast list is quickly filling up with other beloved franchise veterans and a new generation of comedic talent, ensuring topical authority and a fresh comedic voice.

• Dave Sheridan as Doofy Gilmore: The fan-favorite character, Doofy, the seemingly dim-witted but secretly murderous police officer (a parody of Deputy Dewey from Scream), is also set to return. Dave Sheridan, who played the character in the first film, is confirmed to be back.
• Chris Elliott and Cheri Oteri: These two comedy veterans, known for their work on Saturday Night Live and other Wayans projects, are also returning to the franchise, bringing their unique brand of sketch comedy to the big screen.
• The New Wayans Generation: In a move that truly cements the Wayans family legacy in the parody genre, Damon Wayans Jr. and Kim Wayans are joining the cast. This infusion of new comedic talent, combined with the original stars, suggests a passing of the torch while maintaining the family's signature style.

The fact that the original creative team—Keenen Ivory Wayans, Shawn Wayans, and Marlon Wayans—are writing and producing this new film is a powerful signal. They are committed to bringing the same irreverent humor and cultural commentary that made the first film a box office smash, spoofing modern classics like Scream, The Blair Witch Project, and other contemporary horror films.

The Legacy Cast: Honoring the Parody Legends

While the focus is on the returning stars, no discussion of the Scary Movie franchise is complete without acknowledging the comedic legends who joined the series in its later installments, particularly the late great Leslie Nielsen.

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Leslie Nielsen as President Harris (Scary Movie 3–5)

Leslie Nielsen, a master of deadpan comedy, joined the franchise starting with Scary Movie 3, playing President Harris. His presence elevated the series, connecting the Scary Movie films to the long and storied tradition of spoof comedy established by his work in classics like Airplane! and The Naked Gun series.

• The Role: As President Harris, Nielsen parodied the bumbling authority figure, delivering absurd lines with total sincerity. He was the perfect example of how the franchise could attract A-list comedic talent to commit fully to the ridiculousness.
• Enduring Legacy: Although Nielsen passed away in 2010, his contributions to the parody genre are undeniable. His performances in Scary Movie 3, 4, and 5 (through archival footage) ensured that the spirit of classic spoof comedy remained alive in the 21st century. His work is a foundational pillar for the entire franchise's topical authority.

Anticipation for the 2026 Return

The announcement of Scary Movie 6, set for release on June 12, 2026, marks the end of a long hiatus for the franchise. The combination of the original cast—Anna Faris as Cindy, Regina Hall as Brenda, and Marlon Wayans as Shorty—with the creative direction of the Wayans brothers has created a tidal wave of excitement.

The film is already deep into post-production, having wrapped filming in late 2025. This quick turnaround ensures that the humor will be fresh and relevant, tackling the most recent horror trends and cultural phenomena. The return to the original tone, focusing on classic slasher and supernatural parodies, is exactly what fans of the first two films have been demanding for years. The stage is set for a massive comedic comeback that will redefine the spoof comedy genre for a new generation.