Scary Movie 6 vs. Masters of the Universe vs. Backrooms: The wildest Box Office Battle of June 2026 Is Here
The Box Office Showdown Nobody Saw Coming
If you thought summer 2026 was all about Toy Story 5 and The Odyssey, think again. This weekend — June 5–7 — is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable box office battles since the pandemic. Three wildly different movies are colliding at multiplexes nationwide, and analysts cannot agree on who is walking away with the crown.
On one side, you have got Scary Movie 6, the long-awaited reunion of the Wayans brothers. On the other, Amazon MGM Studios dropped a reported $170 million+ on Masters of the Universe, their big-budget He-Man reboot directed by Travis Knight. And lurking in third? A24's breakout horror sensation Backrooms, which has been quietly building buzz since its festival premiere.
Scary Movie 6: The Nostalgia Machine That Might Surprise Everyone
Here is the thing about Scary Movie 6 — nobody expected the tracking to keep climbing. Initial forecasts pegged it at $25–35 million for its domestic opening. But as of this week, fresh projections have it targeting $45–50 million domestically and potentially $70 million worldwide. That would make it the biggest opening in the entire Scary Movie franchise, surpassing 2003's Scary Movie 3 ($49.7M).
What is driving the surge? For starters, the Wayans brothers are back. Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans returned as writers and actors, reprising Shorty Meeks and Ray Wilkins for the first time since Scary Movie 2 in 2001. Anna Faris and Regina Hall are also making their comeback, and Keenen Ivory Wayans is producing alongside longtime collaborator Rick Alvarez. Director Michael Tiddes helms the project.
The film parodies some of 2025–2026's biggest hits — including Sinners, Weapons, Get Out, and Final Destination — and analysts say it is attracting a crossover audience: Black communities, 2000s nostalgia fans, and Gen Z viewers all in one. The franchise has grossed $896.3 million worldwide across five films, and this sixth entry is aiming to keep that streak alive.
Masters of the Universe: The $170 Million Gamble
Meanwhile, Masters of the Universe is facing a tougher climb. Amazon MGM Studios reportedly spent over $170 million on this reboot, and early projections put its domestic opener around $25 million. Not exactly what you would hope for with that kind of budget.
Nicholas Galitzine takes on the iconic role of He-Man in a film directed by Travis Knight (who brought Bumblebee to life in 2018). The last theatrical attempt at this franchise was the 1987 Cannon Films version starring Dolph Lundgren and Frank Langella — which opened to just $4.8M domestically. The hope is that Galitzine's version can finally crack the mainstream.
The movie is projected at roughly $50 million worldwide in its opening weekend — respectable for a mid-tier release, but risky for a tentpole budget. Still, Masters of the Universe has massive built-in brand recognition from the Mattel toy line and the beloved 1983–85 animated series, so strong word-of-mouth could give it legs beyond opening weekend.
Backrooms: A24's Dark Horse
Do not sleep on Backrooms. A24's adaptation of the viral internet horror phenomenon has been quietly dominating social media and is now projected to go head-to-head with Scary Movie 6 for the No. 1 spot. While exact projections are still being finalized, A24's recent horror track record — think Talk to Me and The Iron Claw — suggests this could easily surprise.
Also hitting theaters this week: The Amazing Digital Circus: The Last Act from Fathom Entertainment (projected ~$10M), which is drawing younger audiences away from the main blockbusters. And looming in the background, Toy Story 5 arrives June 19 — which is partly why several studios shifted their release dates to avoid the Pixar juggernaut.
The Bottom Line
For moviegoers, this weekend is an embarrassment of riches. You have got parody comedy, nostalgic fantasy, and indie horror all fighting for your attention — and your wallet. If Scary Movie 6 hits its upper projections, Marlon Wayans already confirmed that a White Chicks sequel could finally happen. If Masters of the Universe underperforms, it could spell trouble for the entire He-Man cinematic universe Amazon had planned.
One thing is for sure: the box office is alive and well in summer 2026. Let the battle begin.
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