AceShowbiz - Marlon Wayans has opened up about the longstanding battle he and his brothers faced against Harvey and Bob Weinstein, who allegedly cheated them out of royalties from the first two Scary Movie films. These two movies combined generated over $400 million in revenue, yet the Wayans family claims they were denied their fair share of the profits.

The Wayans brothers—including Keenen Ivory Wayans and Shawn Wayans alongside Marlon—created a franchise that became a cultural landmark in comedy, but their relationship with the studio soured after the second film. Despite the massive box office success, the brothers say they were systematically deprived of royalties through studio accounting practices.

The financial dispute escalated after Scary Movie grossed $278 million on a $19 million budget and Scary Movie 2 earned $141 million on a $45 million budget. When the brothers requested a fair raise for the third installment, the Weinsteins responded with a low offer. Upon refusal, the studio proceeded with Scary Movie 3 without their involvement, informing them of the decision via a press announcement on New Year’s Eve.

Marlon Wayans recalled that the franchise was effectively taken away from them despite their foundational role. Beyond losing creative control, the brothers allege that the Weinsteins employed creative accounting to block them from receiving royalties they deserved from the first two films.

Before working on the 1998 film Senseless, Marlon was sent a copy of Sun Tzu's The Art of War by the studio, which he interpreted as a reflection of the Weinsteins’ aggressive and ruthless business tactics. While he recognizes the harm caused, he emphasizes moving beyond bitterness to evolve creatively.

The upcoming new Scary Movie film, scheduled for release on June 5, marks the Wayans family’s official return to the franchise they originated. This revival was initiated after Jonathan Glickman became CEO of Miramax in 2024 and approached the brothers with a deal comparable to those given to filmmakers like Tarantino and Rodriguez.

This latest project reunites Marlon, Keenen, and Shawn Wayans as writers, producers, and stars, fulfilling a promise Marlon made to his father. Their comeback symbolizes both a creative and personal victory after years of exclusion.

Meanwhile, the legacy of Harvey Weinstein continues to unravel. Just ten days before this story emerged, on May 15, 2026, a Manhattan jury deadlocked on rape charges against him in his third trial, resulting in a mistrial. This was the second hung jury within a year, with prosecutors now weighing whether to pursue yet another trial. Weinstein faces decades in prison if convicted, but his legal battles drag on as his influence diminishes.

The contrast is stark: as the Wayans brothers reclaim their place in Hollywood and their franchise, the once-powerful producer’s empire is collapsing under the weight of numerous allegations and legal challenges.

This article is based on reporting originally published by AllHipHop.