Just when you thought it was safe to watch a horror movie and take an unsolicited phone call from an unknown number … SCREAM is back! Despite a lackluster fourth film and a forgettable MTV small screen reboot, the Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson slasher franchise that redefined horror is returning. While legacy castmembers including David Arquette and Courteney Cox have already announced their return, we had not heard about Neve Campbell. Well, worry no more as Sidney Prescott will once again square off against Ghostface in SCREAM 5!
Directing SCREAM 5 are Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett of the filmmaking group Radio Silence (READY OR NOT) from a script penned by James Vanderbilt (AMAZING SPIDER-MAN) and Guy Busick (READY OR NOT, CASTLE ROCK). In addition to the aforementioned stars, the studio's Scream relaunch will also feature new cast members Jack Quaid (The Boys), Melissa Barrera (IN THE HEIGHTS), and Jenna Ortega (You).
“We’re pinching ourselves! It’s hard to express how much the character Sidney Prescott shaped our love of movies and to have the chance to work with Neve is truly a dream come true. It just wouldn’t be a ‘Scream’ movie without Neve and we’re so excited and honored to join her in Woodsboro," Radio Silence said in a statement.
Campbell also voiced her enthusiasm to return to the Scream franchise by saying, “After spending time speaking with Radio Silence, they have shown such love, respect and admiration for Wes Craven and all that he’s created in the ‘Scream’ franchise. I am beyond excited to step back into the role of Sidney Prescott and return to Woodsboro.”
Directed by famed “maestro of horror,” the late Wes Craven, the Scream films went on to gross more than $600 million at the worldwide box office. Williamson wrote the original film as well as SCREAM 2 and SCREAM 4.
With Campbell finally signed, sealed, and delivered on the SCREAM 5 project, I can confirm that I am officially hyped for this relaunch. Radio Silence's READY OR NOT stands as one of the most refreshing films I've seen in recent years and I can't wait to see what they have in store for Ghostface, Sidney, and the rest of the cast. Here's hoping that this is a true return to form for the franchise and that we get some great sequels as a result of the team's hard work.