Summary
Ghostface’s goofy grin, Sidney Prescott’s (Neve Campbell) signature bravery, and the many references tohorrormoviesare just a few reasons why I’ve loved theScreamfranchise for decades. I’ve been hoping to hear more news aboutScream 7ever sinceScream 6was released in March 2023 and am excited thatthe sequel is now filming. It’s fun imagining this new Sidney vs. Ghostface story and what role the new characters could play in the creepy and funny tale.
I’m also happy thatKevin Williamson is directingScream 7as I’ve enjoyed his work for several years now.Williamson recently shared a photo of theScream 7logoon his Instagram account and also praised the cast and crew. It sounds like filming has been a great experience so far. Here’s why I’m on board with Williamson as director and what I think he will bring to the sequel.
Kevin Williamson has had a long career in Hollywoodand created teen dramas such asDawson’s CreekandThe Vampire Diaries. He alsodirected the ’90s dark thrillerTeaching Mrs. Tingleand wrote several horror movies, such asI Know What You Did Last Summer.
But most of all, he’sknown for writingScream, Scream 2, andScream 4, which I would argue are some of the most important films in the slasher franchise.They established Ghostface as a memorable and iconic horror villain who likes calling his victims and quizzing them on this film genre. These movies also proved that even when Sidney leaves Woodsboro, whether at college or because she’s moved away, she always feels a pull to her hometown. Even if Sidney is living somewhere else inScream 7, her past still haunts her, which will be fascinating to watch.
I think Williamson is the right director forScream 7because I’m a big fan ofWilliamson’s signature blend of emotion and scares.I like that in his work,characters are always put first. Sure, hisTV showThe Followingstarring Kevin Baconwasn’t universally beloved. But the cult and serial killer storylines were almost second to the dynamic between former FBI agent Ryan Hardy (Bacon) and the killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) he is trying to catch once again. Since Williamson was the one who first put pen to paper and craftedthe iconic final girl Sidney Prescott, I feel confident that he willensure that Sidney’s story is told properly. Instead of putting Sidney on the sidelines or focusing on newer characters who audiences don’t know, I think Williamson will spotlight the character fans want to see the most.
Williamson is also more than a little bitfamiliar with the tone ofScreamsince he wrote three of the movies.Matthew Lillard said Scream 6 was “too violent”, and whether or not fans liked that Ghostface used a shotgun, many wonder if that was a step too far. I appreciated thatScream 6used the unique location of New York City. But I also hope that Williamson’s direction ofScream 7will ensure that the sequel returns to its roots a little bit.Scream,Scream 2, andScream 4have gory kills, but they’re also focused on the smart characters at the core of the story.
What Else Did Kevin Williamson Say About Scream 7?
Two big pieces ofScream 7news came outin March 2024:Neve Campbell would play Sidney Prescott again and Kevin Williamson would direct the movie.Williamson posted about it on his Instagram account and wrote:
“It’s been nearly 30 years since my very first script,Scream, was directed by the legendary Wes Craven. I never would have predicted what it would become. Or that I would be directing the seventh installment of the franchise. I am overcome with gratitude and excitement, and I can’t wait to take this journey with Neve and the entireScreamfamily as we bring back Sidney Prescott in the next chapter of theScreamfranchise. Thank you to all theScreamfans. You are the gift that keeps giving.”
Williamson has been positive about the entireScreamfranchise. According toDeadline, in 2023, he was interviewed on theHappy Horror Timepodcast and said that Campbell should be paid what she deserves to reprise her final girl role. In various interviews, he alsopraisedWes Craven’s talent as a horror filmmaker, including in a look back inThe Hollywood Reporterto celebrateScream’s 25th anniversary in 2021.
