Vote Now: Who Will Survive the Wayans Family Blood Match?

Another blockbuster vision of the apocalypse is coming to movie theaters this weekend, but don't hold that against Dance Flick. Moreover, don't hate the Wayanses -- all eight of them (at least) -- for crafting what's likely to be another spoof franchise, at least not after their Scary Movie brainchild grossed more $428 million over four installments. The clan that Entertainment Weekly once dubbed "The Most Powerful Family in Hollywood" knows its business, and for that, we tip our caps. But it doesn't mean we shouldn't level the playing field. That's where Movieline's Tournament of Champions comes in.

Not long after readers elected to eradicate Twilight, Saw, the Bourne series, and four other franchises not named Batman, we call on you again to give exactly one Wayans your blessing for a future in film and TV. Just as much as this group brought you I'm Gonna Git You Sucka and In Living Color, it's equally responsible for Blankman, White Chicks and Little Man. Regardless of whether their last name has its own GDP, corrections must be made. And old-fashioned democracy (and maybe a little friendly wagering; my money's on Dwayne Jr.) is our only hope.

The competitors are:

1. Keenen Ivory Wayans: The oldest of eight children born to Elvira and Howell Wayans. A true comic icon of the '80s, Keenen wrote, produced and directed the blaxploitation parody I'm Gonna Git You Sucka and created In Living Color, unleashing the Wayans dynasty (not to mention Jim Carrey and "Flygirl" Jennifer Lopez) on the world. His original Scary Movie remains the highest-grossing film ever made by a black director. Has since sold off his legacy as the director of the vastly unfunny (yet profitable) White Chicks and Little Man.

2. Damon Wayans: The clown to Keenen's straight man, literally -- his catchphrase "Homey don't play that" rivaled "Don't have a cow, man" as the young Fox network's signature epigram. Arguably the most transgressive of the group (he was fired from Saturday Night Live for turning a straight cop character into a flamboyant gay man), but later traded his edge for projects including Blankman, Major Payne and his hit series My Wife and Kids.

3. Damon Wayans Jr.: Made film debut in his father's Blankman before appearing regularly on My Wife and Kids (to which he also contributed as a writer). Is the male lead in Dance Flick, directed by his cousin...

4. Damien Dante Wayans: The son of Keenen and Damon's sister Nadia, made his screen debut as "Child Running Through House" in Eddie Murphy Raw (another Keenen-produced classic). Later made bigger splash in Malibu's Most Wanted before leaning into writing and directing (My Wife and Kids, The Underground). Runs production company with cousin Craig; making feature directing debut on Dance Flick.

5. Kim Wayans: Underutilized sister of Keenen, Damon, Shawn and Marlon. Came to prominence on In Living Color with outrageous characters including Miss Benita and the female half of the R&B squawkers Cephus and Reesie. Alas, Kim's then-famous Crystal Waters parody doesn't quite hold up 20 years on, and she was an active participant in the 2002 multiplex war crime that was Juwanna Mann.

6. Dwayne Wayans Jr.: The son of Keenen's late older brother Dwayne and a composer with credits on Dance Flick, My Wife and Kids, Little Man and -- in the first Wayans/Tony Scott collaboration since Damon appeared in The Last Boy Scout -- the Keira Knightley bounty-hunter flop Domino. Primary achievement may be as Shway, a comedic, pseudonymous rapper best (if little) known for songs including "Set Dem Tiddies Free," "Dem Tiddies is Teasin" and "Sex and Sum Chicken." As worthy of professional survival as any Wayans.

7. Marlon Wayans: At 36, the youngest sibling of Keenen, Kim, Damon and Shawn, with the latter of whom he shares massive success both in front of and behind the camera. Had a creative stake in all four Scary Movie films before moving on to co-write/produce/star in White Chicks and Little Man. Represents the nexus between the his generation of Wayans and the next.

8. Shawn Wayans: All of the above, except he has the slight cultural advantage of also having been SW-1 -- the DJ on In Living Color.

Vote now, and visit again tomorrow to participate in Round 2!

Which Wayans should emerge from the Icon Bracket?(web polls)

Which Wayans should emerge from the Next-Generation Bracket?(polls)

Which Wayans should emerge from the Wild-Card Bracket?(online polls)

Which Wayans should emerge from the Mogul Bracket?(opinion polls)