Paramount Unveils “Bong” Shaped Popcorn Tins for “Scary Movie 6,” Raising the Bar for Wild Merch That’s Got Theaters and Fans Reacting

Ahead of its release, the legendary parody comedy franchise “Scary Movie 6” has unveiled game-changing merchandise that’s set to flip the theater scene on its head, sparking explosive reactions both online and offline.

■ “Merch the theater can’t handle”… Arrival of a bong-shaped popcorn tin made of glass

On the 21st (local time), according to U.S. entertainment outlets such as Variety and Hollywood Life, Paramount Pictures and the official social media accounts for “Scary Movie 6” rolled out a promotional video for a popcorn tin with an outlandish design, along with the line, “The theaters probably weren’t ready at all.”

In the released video, the popcorn tin, surprisingly, is designed to look exactly like a glass water-pipe bong (the kind used for smoking, including cannabis). Popcorn fills the inside of a long, tube-like body and a rounded glass base. The production also includes dramatic lighting and a smoky effect, delivering the series’ signature “totally out of it” B-movie sensibility and parody style at full volume. In particular, the small tube is engineered so it can function as a butter dispenser.

The posters that were also released present four different sizes and add the message, “Pick the piece that fits you just right,” continuing the playful provocation aimed squarely at Stoners.

■ “Is it really a real popcorn tin?”… After marketing stunt controversy, the director confirms “It’s real” himself

When the merchandise was first revealed, among U.S. online users and movie fans there was intense debate over whether this was a real product meant for theaters or merely a fake noise-driven online marketing stunt (Viral Marketing Stunt) meant to draw attention on the internet. The dominant skepticism was that selling merchandise in this form at American multiplex theater chains—where reviews and regulations are strict—was close to impossible.

But as the controversy spread, director Michael Tiddes, who directed this installment, stepped in himself via his personal SNS, officially recognizing it and saying, “Yes…. It’s real!” Local media are calling it a brilliant marketing move—cleverly and perfectly mocking the multiplex’s signature popcorn tin trend, led by a global blockbuster wave, in the “Scary Movie” way. In fact, this outlandish popcorn tin is set to be sold for real at major theater chains across North America, including AMC and Regal, starting June 5—the film’s release date.

■ The return of the original lineup after 26 years… They’ll take on everything from “Terryfire 3” to “Get Out”

“Scary Movie 6,” which built buzz before release with its unrivaled approach to grabbing attention, is an official sequel that reunites the original crew for the first time in an astounding 26 years since the original film sparked a worldwide parody frenzy in 2000. Led by franchise founder Malon Wayan (as Shorty) and Shaun Wayan (as Ray), with series mascot Anna Faris (as Cindy) and Regina Hall (as Brenda) all returning, it taps into fans’ nostalgia around the world.

In this sixth installment, the four main characters who once took down the mysterious masked killer (Ghostface) from 26 years ago once again find themselves in the killer’s sights—setting off more chaos. In particular, the film is set to take a chainsaw to not only the recent Hollywood horror-movie trend of indiscriminate reboots, remakes, sequels, and prequels, but also “elevated horror” that has earned rave reviews from critics, along with the relentlessly unending “final chapter” storyline.

According to the trailer and synopsis, recent horror IPs that have drawn global attention in recent years—such as “Terryfire 3,” “M3GAN,” “Get Out,” “The Subbstance,” and “Long Legs”—are said to be the target of the satire. Malon Wayan said in an interview, “What we’re trying to do is to restore the ‘original comedy of the past’ again,” adding that they “will take aim straight at Cancel Culture by cracking jokes that go too far.”

“Scary Movie 6,” which has stolen attention worldwide with its bizarre “bong”-shaped popcorn tin, opens in theaters across North America on June 5.