Marlon Wayans sparked a wave of excitement online after dropping what he described as a “bootleg” version of the Scary Movie 6 trailer—before the studio could release it themselves. In true Wayans style, the reveal blended mischief, marketing savvy, and the kind of self‑aware humor that made the franchise a cultural phenomenon in the first place.
The clip, which Wayans posted across his social platforms, features a rough, intentionally low‑quality look, as if it were filmed on a phone in a movie theater. Leaning into the joke, Wayans captioned it with: “Just bootlegged my own movie trailer.” Fans immediately recognized the bit as both a parody of real leaks and a clever way to build hype for the film.
Scary Movie 6 marks a major comeback for the Wayans family, who helped launch the original film into blockbuster territory. Their signature blend of slapstick, satire, and pop‑culture chaos shaped the early 2000s comedy landscape, and the new installment promises a return to that irreverent spirit.
The “leaked” trailer teases a mix of horror spoofs, celebrity send‑ups, and over‑the‑top set pieces—exactly what longtime fans have been waiting for. Though the footage is intentionally rough, the energy is unmistakably Wayans: loud, fearless, and unapologetically silly.
Within minutes, the clip began circulating widely, with fans celebrating the return of the franchise and praising Wayans for his marketing genius. Many noted that the bootleg gag felt like a throwback to the early days of viral comedy, when grainy clips and word‑of‑mouth hype drove anticipation.
The buzz also reignited conversations about the Wayans family’s impact on parody films and their potential return to other beloved franchises—something Marlon has hinted at in recent interviews.
The official countdown begins for BlerDCon, one of the nation’s leading conventions celebrating Black nerd culture, as it returns March 6–8, 2026, in Arlington, Virginia, to bring together thousands of fans, creators, and entertainment leaders. Blending fandom with culture, BlerDCon has become a destination where gaming, anime, film, cosplay, and community converge in a space intentionally created to celebrate Black creativity and imagination. “BlerDCon was built to create a space where Black nerd culture is not only welcomed but celebrated,” said Hilton George, Founder of BlerDCon. “Our successful model in year nine is proof of what happens when community and creativity meet. This weekend is about celebrating the stories, talent, and imagination that define Black nerd culture.”
Netflix joins BlerDCon 2026 as an official partner supporting ONE PIECE: INTO THE GRAND LINE, premiering March 10 on Netflix. Based on one of the most successful manga franchises in history, the live-action series follows Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates on their journey across the seas in search of the legendary One Piece treasure.
At BlerDCon, Netflix will bring the world of ONE PIECE: INTO THE GRAND LINE to life through interactive fan activations and immersive photo experiences designed specifically for the convention audience. Studios like Netflix, Warner Bros., and Amazon MGM Studios continue to engage BlerDCon audiences through programming and experiences that reflect the diversity and creativity of modern fandom while celebrating Black culture in authentic ways.
Legendary hip-hop artist and actor Redman (How High, Method & Red) will make appearances in select fan and media experiences throughout the weekend.
Mainstage highlights will include appearances by acclaimed actress Zazie Beetz (Atlanta, Deadpool 2, Joker), star of Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming thriller THEY WILL KILL YOU, in theaters March 27. Directed by Kirill Sokolov (Why Don’t You Just Die!), the high-intensity horror-action comedy features a standout cast including Myha’la, Paterson Joseph, Tom Felton, Heather Graham, and Patricia Arquette, with Beetz leading a gripping story blending relentless action and suspense.
Directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street), PROJECT HAIL MARY, starring Ryan Gosling, Sandra Hüller, and Lionel Boyce, will have a special advance screening presented by Amazon MGM Studios ahead of its exclusive theatrical release on March 20. The event will include a pre-reception and a special trailer presentation for IS GOD IS, written and directed by Aleshea Harris, a bold, genre-defying revenge story with a dynamic ensemble cast and set to arrive in theaters on May 15.
This year’s lineup turns up the volume with live performances from Regan Alliyah (Marvel’s Ironheart), and panel discussions featuring Carl (The Boondocks (2005), Black Dynamite (2011) and The Last O.G.), Love Jones (Grandma’s Hands, The Last O.G., and Smart Guy) Tony Weaver Jr., and many more creators and industry voices. Expect advance screenings, exclusive trailers, branded Q&As, and behind-the-scenes access that will give your readers fresh, must-see content.
The 2026 convention will mark the first collaboration between BlerDCon and Black Spades, the competitive spades platform created by Konsole Kingz. Programming will include a workshop on Friday, tournament play beginning Friday, and winners announced Saturday. “Spades has always been part of our culture and how we connect,” said Cj Peters, Founder of Konsole Kingz and Creator of Black Spades. “Bringing Black Spades to BlerDCon creates a new kind of experience that blends competition, culture, and community.”
BlerDCon 2026 will deliver three days of panels, screenings, gaming tournaments, cosplay showcases, studio activations, and immersive fan experiences. A longtime attendee favorite, Food Truck Row returns as one of the largest food truck gatherings in the DMV, featuring more than 30 vendors throughout the weekend.
Learn more at www.blerdcon.org.
Netflix’s highly anticipated A Different World sequel series is gaining major star power, with Jenifer Lewis officially joining the cast. The beloved actress, who appeared in the original series as the unforgettable Dean Dorothy Dandridge Davenport, returns to Hillman College as the reboot brings together legacy characters and a new generation of students.
Lewis joins an ensemble of returning cast members that includes Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer, Darryl M. Bell, Charnele Brown, and Dawnn Lewis, all reprising their iconic roles from the groundbreaking 1987–1993 sitcom. Their involvement signals a deep commitment to honoring the original series while expanding its world for today’s audience.
The sequel revisits Hillman College—an HBCU that became a cultural touchstone for millions—now reimagined for a modern era. The new storyline follows a fresh group of students navigating contemporary campus life, while the returning cast steps into evolved roles as mentors, administrators, and community leaders.
Jenifer Lewis’s return adds emotional weight and comedic firepower. Known as “The Mother of Black Hollywood,” her presence bridges the past and present, grounding the sequel in the spirit that made the original series a landmark in Black television.
Each original cast member brings a piece of Hillman history back to the screen:
Their return creates a multi‑generational ensemble that blends nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
The new series explores issues shaping today’s college experience—mental health, social justice, identity, technology, and the evolving landscape of HBCUs—while maintaining the humor, heart, and authenticity that defined the original.
With Lewis and the full returning cast on board, the sequel is positioned as both a tribute and a bold new chapter, offering longtime fans a chance to revisit Hillman while introducing its legacy to a new generation.
In this episode of Box Seats (where comedians talk sports!), we discuss the winning streak of the Detroit Pistons and how they are doing it! We ask if there is anyone who can beat them in the East- or the West.
Plus, we talk Lebron James comparisons, if the Lakers are right, if the New York Knicks will make the NBA Finals, and a lot more!
This episode features comedians Rodney Perry, Howie Bell, Damien Jones, and Maurice Smith.
Watch the latest episode above!
Oliver “Power” Grant, a driving force behind the Wu‑Tang Clan’s rise as a cultural empire and a pioneering figure in hip‑hop fashion and film, has died at 52. His passing marks the loss of a creative architect whose influence stretched far beyond music.
Grant was more than a co‑founder of one of the most iconic groups in hip‑hop history — he was the strategist who helped transform Wu‑Tang from a groundbreaking rap collective into a global brand. As an early business mind behind the group, he played a key role in shaping their image, expanding their reach, and building the foundation for what would become a multimedia powerhouse.
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to launch Wu Wear, one of the first major hip‑hop clothing lines to break into mainstream retail. At a time when rap fashion was still emerging, Grant helped push it into the cultural spotlight, influencing an entire generation of artists and designers.
Grant also made his mark as an actor, appearing in films such as Belly and Black and White, where his presence brought authenticity and edge to the screen. His work behind the scenes was equally impactful — he produced and collaborated on various Wu‑Tang projects, always pushing the group’s creative boundaries.
To fans and collaborators, Grant was known as a visionary — someone who saw the potential of hip‑hop culture long before the rest of the world caught up. His contributions helped shape not only the Wu‑Tang legacy but the broader landscape of music, fashion, and film.
He leaves behind a legacy of innovation, creativity, and cultural impact that will continue to resonate for years to come.
Amy Hill and Yolonda Ross are stepping into the world of off‑beat humor and sharp‑edged storytelling, officially boarding the upcoming black comedy titled Flowers Para Los Muertos. The project, which blends dark wit with emotional depth, is quickly becoming one of the more intriguing titles on the indie slate.
Hill, known for her scene‑stealing turns in Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Magnum P.I., brings her signature blend of warmth and razor‑sharp comedic timing to the film. Ross, celebrated for her powerful performances in The Chi and Whitney, adds dramatic weight and nuance to the ensemble.
Flowers Para Los Muertos follows a group of characters whose lives intersect in unexpected, often chaotic ways after a mysterious event forces them to confront their pasts, their secrets, and their questionable life choices. The film leans into dark humor while exploring themes of identity, grief, and the strange ways people cope when life refuses to go according to plan.
With Hill and Ross joining the cast, the project gains two performers known for elevating every role they take on — whether through grounded emotion, sharp comedic instincts, or a mix of both. Their involvement signals that Flowers Para Los Muertos is aiming for a balance of heart, humor, and bite.
As production gears up, anticipation is building around how this eclectic cast will bring the film’s twisted, character‑driven world to life.
Hollywood has no shortage of stages, but once a year, one event manages to feel like the heartbeat of the city’s comedy scene. The Bergamot Comedy Festival, now quickly becoming one of Los Angeles’ most talked‑about showcases, returned with a lineup that blended rising talent, established names, and the kind of electric energy only a room full of people ready to laugh can create.
Held at the historic Bergamot Arts District, the festival has carved out a reputation for spotlighting comedians who push boundaries, experiment with new material, and bring a fresh perspective to the craft. What started as a small gathering of local comics has evolved into a multi‑day celebration of stand‑up, sketch, and alternative comedy — all while maintaining its intimate, community‑driven vibe.
This year’s festival drew an eclectic mix of performers, from seasoned headliners testing out new sets to first‑timers stepping into the spotlight with raw, fearless energy. Audiences packed into the venue each night, creating a warm, supportive atmosphere that comedians say feels rare in a city known for tough rooms and high stakes.
One of the festival’s biggest strengths is its commitment to diversity — not just in background, but in comedic style. Observational humor, character work, storytelling, musical comedy, and sharp social commentary all shared the stage, giving audiences a taste of just how wide the comedy spectrum can be.
Festival organizers say the goal has always been simple: create a space where comedians can grow, experiment, and connect. And judging by the laughter echoing through the Bergamot courtyard long after the final sets wrapped, it’s clear the mission is working.
With its blend of authenticity, discovery, and pure comedic joy, the Bergamot Comedy Festival is quickly becoming a must‑attend event for anyone who loves stand‑up — and a launchpad for the next wave of voices ready to shake up the scene.
WHO:
The Crow, LA’s signature mission-driven nonprofit comedy club, is eager to launch the 3rd annual Bergamot Comedy Festival. The Crow exists to fortify our community through laughter, acceptance, and collective resistance, especially in “times like these.” If anything, the times we live in make one thing clear: passivity is not an option. Change and accountability are necessary. By showcasing historically underrepresented voices we work to mitigate the harm caused in the industry.
WHAT:
A four-day power surge of stand-up and storytelling performances, educational workshops for professional advancement, and networking that centers underrepresented voices and converts amplification into access, momentum, and laughter, and community. Bergamot Comedy Fest is a community-focused performance and networking opportunity designed to bridge the gap between Hollywood industry and rising talent that uses comedy and storytelling to create a path to understanding and societal change.
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 25 – Saturday, March 28th
March 25- Free Educational Panel (6 PM), Ticketed Storytelling Show/Ticketed Stand-Up Show (8 PM)
March 26- Free Educational Panel (6 PM), Ticketed Stand-Up Shows (8 PM)
March 27- Free Educational Panel (6 PM), Ticketed Stand-Up Shows (8 PM)
March 28- Free Educational Panel (12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM and 6 PM) Ticketed Stand-Up Shows (4 and 8 PM)
WHERE:
The Crow at Bergamot Station Arts Center
2525 Michigan Avenue, Unit F4
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Bergamot Comedy Festival Instagram: @bergamotcomedyfest
Bergamot Comedy Festival Website: bergamotcomedyfest.com
Katt Williams is expanding his footprint beyond comedy, teaming up with Alabama-based HBCU Miles College to create a scholarship fund to train students in artificial intelligence and augmented reality—two fields rapidly reshaping the entertainment industry.
According to local NBC station WVTM 13, the initiative is tied to Williams’s larger plan to redevelop Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama, into a working production campus under his company, Kemet Movie Works.
The goal is to connect education directly to opportunity, giving students from Miles College access to hands-on experience in virtual production, CGI, and immersive storytelling.
Miles College, a private historically Black institution in Fairfield, Alabama, has been around since 1898 and currently serves roughly 1,500 students across programs in business, communications, education, sciences, and more.
Now, through this partnership, those students will have a direct pipeline into a growing tech-driven sector of filmmaking.
“We’ve signed an agreement… that our students will have the opportunity to participate in learning about AI and AR,” said college president Bobbie Knight when announcing the collaboration.
Williams’ approach focuses on keeping production—and the money tied to it—closer to home. “We had to go to another foreign country and give them millions of dollars,” he said. “Instead of that, we have the ability to create all of that using qualified people of color.”
The Fort McClellan site already includes two advanced sound stages designed for virtual production, allowing filmmakers to build entire digital environments without leaving the state.
Knight stressed that the scholarship program is about preparing students for what’s next—not what already exists. “There are a lot of jobs right now that in five years won’t be in existence because of AR and AI,” she said. “We want to make sure that our students are equipped with the tools they need to operate in that world.”
The partnership also builds on Miles College’s broader mission of expanding access and opportunity. The school, affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and part of the United Negro College Fund network, has a long history of adapting to change—from surviving the Great Depression to expanding its campus footprint in recent years.
For Williams, the focus is on creating a new entry point into the industry. “It just gives us an opportunity to deal with the best and the brightest,” he said, “and to make sure that people that look like us are able to get these opportunities.”
Source: Complex
Today, the NAACP and BET revealed their star-studded lineup of “57th NAACP Image Awards” presenters, including Chase Infiniti, Delroy Lindo, NAACP Derrick Johnson, Halle Bailey, Janelle James, NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell, Miles Caton, Nicole Beharie, Regé-Jean Page, Regina Hall, Ryan Coogler, Ryan Michelle Bathé, Sterling K. Brown, and the cast of Tyler Perry’s Sistas. NAACP also announced that iconic group Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spindarella will be inducted into the esteemed NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, presented by Tide, during this year’s ceremony.
Beloved comedian, actor, and multi-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole will return as host of the “57th NAACP Image Awards” airing live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on Saturday, February 28, at 8:00 PM ET on BET and CBS, and across Paramount networks, including, BET HER, CMT, Comedy Central, Logo, MTV, MTV2, PN, Pop, Smithsonian, TV Land, and VH1.
The night will kick off LIVE at 3:00 PM PT on BET.com with “57th NAACP Image Awards” Red Carpet Live! hosted by Kyla Pratt and Terrence J.
Previously announced “57th NAACP Image Awards” distinguished honorees include Viola Davis who will be presented with the Chairman’s Award, and Colman Domingo who will be recognized with the President’s Award.
The Hall of Fame Award is presented to individuals or groups who have been pioneers in their respective fields and whose influence continues to shape their industry for generations. Past inductees include The Wayans Family, New Edition, Eddie Murphy, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee, Earth Wind and Fire and more.
“As pioneers of hip-hop, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spindarella rewrote the rules and boldly claimed space in a genre that forever changed because of their voices, style, and undeniable talent,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO. “Inducting them into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame is a celebration of more than an iconic career – it’s a tribute to trailblazers who opened doors, and inspired generations in a way that still resonates today.”
“Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella have built a legacy defined by confidence, authenticity, and cultural influence,” said Connie Orlando, Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “They reshaped how women are seen and heard in music, creating space for bold self-expression and empowerment. Inducting them into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame honors a career that continues to strengthen community, elevate culture, and connect generations.”
From Queens to global rap royalty, this year’s NAACP Hall of Fame inductees, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spindarella, are the groundbreaking group of Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and Deidra “DJ Spindarella” Roper, who forever changed the face and sound of hip-hop. Breaking barriers at every level, they became the first all- female rap group to earn platinum certification, and later the first female hip-hop group – and the first group of any genre – inducted under the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s prestigious Influence category. Their fearless lyrics, infectious energy, and unapologetic femininity paved the way for generations of women in music and beyond.
Emerging during hip-hop’s golden era, Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spindarella brought fun, fashion, and femininity to a genre often dominated by men. With their signature confidence and “around the way” authenticity, they gave women permission to be bold, expressive, and empowered. More than three decades after breaking barriers in hip-hop, Salt-N- Pepa and DJ Spindarella’s cultural influence remains indelible. Their sold-out shows and global performances speak to a legacy that continues to inspire new generations. Over the years, they’ve received countless honors and accolades – most recently a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award (2021), a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2022), and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2025) – cementing their impact on music and culture for generations to come. Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spindarella’s legacy is more than music – it’s empowerment, resilience, and joy.
“57th NAACP Image Awards” winners will be revealed during the “57th NAACP Image Awards” telecast on Saturday, February 28 live from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, on BET and will simulcast on the CBS Television Network. NAACP will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories at the “57th NAACP Image Awards” Creative Honors Thursday, February 26 and virtually on YouTube/NAACPPlus Monday, February 23-Wednesday, February 25.
The “57th NAACP Image Awards Week” is supported by Wells Fargo, Google, American Airlines, Amazon, FedEx, Procter & Gamble, AARP, Airbnb, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., L’Oréal Groupe and Lowe’s. The “57th NAACP Image Awards” live broadcast and red carpet are presented by Toyota, Walmart, Capital One, Ally, Procter & Gamble, and its brands, Olay Body and Tide.
For information and updates, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards and visit www.bet.com/naacp-image-awards.
Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural awards shows, the “57th NAACP Image Awards” will continue a tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to that purpose.
One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years’ attendees and winners include Kamala Harris, Dave Chapelle, Keke Palmer, The Wayans Family, Don Cheadle, Laverne Cox, Ava DuVernay, Gabrielle Union, Dwayne Wade, Courtney B. Vance, Sherri Shepherd, Colman Domingo, Mike Epps, Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia, Danielle Brooks, Usher, Tyler Perry, Angela Bassett, Damson Idris, Michelle Buteau, Victoria Monét, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Nicco Annan, Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Washington, Method Man, Dominique Thorne, Austin Scott, Tyler James Williams, Kyla Pratt, Jabari Banks, and many more.
Marlon Wayans is ready to bring back some of his most iconic comedy franchises — but he’s putting the ball squarely in the audience’s court. During a recent interview, the comedian teased that long‑awaited sequels to White Chicks and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood could finally happen, depending on how well Scary Movie 6 performs.
Wayans, who helped define 2000s parody cinema, made it clear that fan support could open the door to a full‑blown Wayans comedy revival. “If Scary Movie 6 hits the way we know it can,” he said, “we’ll be back real hard.” The comment instantly set social media buzzing, with fans imagining the return of some of the most quotable characters in modern comedy.
A White Chicks sequel has been rumored for years, with the original film becoming a cult favorite thanks to its outrageous humor and endlessly meme‑able moments. Meanwhile, Don’t Be a Menace remains a cornerstone of the Wayans family’s comedic legacy, making the idea of revisiting that world especially exciting for longtime fans.
While nothing is officially in development yet, Wayans’ comments suggest the family is open — and maybe even eager — to revisit the films that helped shape their comedic empire. For now, all eyes are on Scary Movie 6 and whether its success will unlock a new wave of Wayans‑powered nostalgia.