SerpApi.Org
On today's episode of "Daily Variety" podcast, "Scary Movie" director Michael Tiddes explains how he came to be trusted with the revival of Shawn and Marlon Wayans' beloved horror comedy franchise. And Tiddes details the extras in the extended director's cut of the Paramount and Miramax film that bowed today on PVOD platforms.
Tiddes, who's past feature directing credits include 2017's "Naked," 2019's "Sextuplets" and 2024's "Half Baked: Totally High," began his career as an assistant to brothers Marlon and Shawn Wayans. That gig inevitably brought him into contact with the extended family of comedy stars. The return of "Scary Movie" was meaningful because the brothers had lost the rights to the property in the early aughts amid a dispute with then-Miramax chief Harvey Weinstein.
"I was lucky enough to start my career working for the Wayans and as an assistant and was able to be behind the scenes with these guys when they were doing [2004's] ‘White Chicks' and [2006's] ‘Little Man' and really see how they made the magic happen," Tiddes explains. "This movie was a fantastic full circle for both of us because the Wayans had lost this franchise a number of years ago and now rightfully gotten it back. So for that, I was extremely happy because ‘Scary Movie' was back with the original guys who created the franchise, where it belongs. And when they called me and told me that they trusted me as the only guy they could see taking over the helm of their biggest franchise - I was speechless and excited. It was cloud nine for me."
Tiddes is equally excited to see his extra-special helmer's edit launch this week, including what he promises is an unseen alternate ending. For him, it's a flashback to the generous bonus materials around movies of his youth, the love of which drove him to seek a career in Hollywood.
"There's over 30 minutes of bonus features and an extended cut that is 13 minutes longer than the theatrical cut, and it features all new scenes not seen in theaters," Tiddes says. "So there's more jokes, more chaos, and even more lines crossed. … I grew up in the '80s and 90s. I loved DVD extras. I loved behind the scenes. I love director commentaries. It was my film school that made me fall in love with movies and want to do this. So I love the fact that we're doing that."
Listen to Daily Variety on iHeartPodcasts, Apple Podcasts, Variety's YouTube Podcast channel, Amazon Music, Spotify and other podcast platforms.
