AMC Theatres said on May 22 that it has no plans to release the bong-style popcorn buckets that set off a rush of online speculation around the returning Scary Movie franchise, just as the Wayans brothers prepare to bring the series back on June 5 with a reunited original cast.
The chain’s response followed a May 21 post from the film’s official social media account that appeared to tease an unusual promotional bucket shaped like a bong, complete with a bowl filled with butter. Director Michael Tiddes later said on Instagram that the bucket “is real,” and added that it comes in four sizes, fueling a wave of reposts and jokes before the official clarification arrived.
Paramount said in an emailed statement on May 22 that the popcorn buckets were created for promotional purposes and are not for sale. That left moviegoers and collectors sorting out a classic franchise tease from an actual concession stand item, even as some social media users called it a multipurpose popcorn bucket and others said they would have to fight to get the first one. Some people went as far as calling local theaters to ask whether the item was legitimate.
The response spread quickly because the Scary Movie series has long leaned into weed-related imagery, advertising and merchandise, and the new film has already partnered with Pax on an official collaboration to promote the sixth installment. The online chatter around the bucket exploded after the May 21 post drew thousands of excited comments, turning a prop into part of the release campaign before anyone had seen one in a theater lobby.
Other major chains, including Regal, Alamo Drafthouse, Showcase and Cinemark, did not immediately respond to requests for confirmation. For now, the answer from AMC Theatres is simple: the bucket may exist as promotion, but it is not headed to its stores.
