Since its gripping debut in 1996, the “Scream” franchise has kept fans on the edge of their seats with a captivating blend of horror, humor, and suspense. Created by Wes Craven and scripted by Kevin Williamson, this film series revolutionized the slasher genre, challenging conventions and reinventing classic horror tropes.

With its intricate plot and compelling characters, “Scream” has earned a prominent place in pop culture, inspiring a devoted following and spawning a series of successful sequels. Moreover, the franchise is known for its clever references to other horror films and its surprising plot twists, keeping audiences consistently on the edge of their seats. Join us as we delve into some fascinating behind-the-scenes trivia of this iconic horror saga.

1 – DREW BARRYMORE ALMOST PORTRAYED SIDNEY PRESCOTT

Drew Barrymore made her mark on the “Scream” franchise by starring in the memorable opening scene of the first film, released in 1996. Portraying Casey, she became Ghostface’s first victim. However, there’s an interesting tidbit: Barrymore almost took on the role of the protagonist. In an interview, the actress revealed that, during discussions about her involvement in the film, she chose to play Casey instead of Sidney Prescott.

Her reason? She sought a more comfortable role: “In the horror genre, my biggest concern was that I always knew the protagonist would survive until the end, but would endure a lot of torment. I wanted something more within my comfort zone. So, I asked if I could be Casey Becker so we could establish that this rule wouldn’t apply in this film.”

2 – ALMOST A WITCH’S APPRENTICE

Alongside Drew Barrymore, other well-known actresses were close to portraying Sidney Prescott before Neve Campbell assumed the iconic role. According to Screenrant, Melissa Joan Hart from the series “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” and Brittany Murphy from the film “Uptown Girls,” auditioned for the lead role in the horror movie.

Additionally, Reese Witherspoon and Tori Spelling were also considered for the prominent role. However, the final choice fell upon Neve Campbell, who has brilliantly portrayed the character of Sidney Prescott for almost thirty years!

3 – THE TITLE WAS BASED ON A MICHAEL JACKSON SONG

Surprised by this? Before becoming “Scream,” the film was initially titled “Scary Movie” during its pre-production phase! Interestingly, four years later, this became the official name of the horror-comedy franchise “Scary Movie,” inspired by Ghostface’s films. Coincidence? Probably not. The producers weren’t entirely convinced with the name and ended up changing their minds while listening to Michael Jackson’s “Scream,” realizing it would be a perfect title for the movie.

4 – THE ICONIC GHOSTFACE MASK

The iconic Ghostface mask has become a symbol of pop culture, perpetuating itself in the realm of horror and being the Halloween costume choice for millions worldwide. One might assume there was thorough research to develop this striking look, right? However, the story is different. In 2015, Wes Craven revealed to the Hollywood Reporter that the mask existed before the film. During a location scouting, producer Marianne Maddalena stumbled upon the mask on a chair in a house they were visiting. However, the team wasn’t initially impressed. “I rushed to show the team, but they didn’t share my enthusiasm. They tried to sculpt similar masks since they didn’t own the rights to the original. When these attempts failed, they managed to negotiate the use of the Fun World mask for the film,” explained Marianne in an interview.

5 – BASED ON A TRUE STORY

Discovering that a horror film has roots in reality adds an extra layer of chills. Such is the case with “Scream,” which was partially inspired by a true crime. Screenwriter Kevin Williamson conceived “Scream” after watching a documentary about a serial killer named Danny Rolling, also known as the Gainesville Ripper.

What happened? In 1990, the killer broke into the apartment of five college students in Gainesville, Florida, resulting in their deaths. The story sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

6 – ACTRESS FROM “THE EXORCIST” MAKES A SPECIAL APPEARANCE

“Scream” is a true homage to the horror genre, filled with tributes that explore various clichés and references throughout its plot. This reverence is further highlighted by the special appearance of a star from one of the greatest horror classics. Linda Blair, known for her role as the protagonist in “The Exorcist,” makes an appearance in the first film of the “Scream” series as one of the reporters present at Woodsboro High School. Did you recognize her?

7 – THE VOICE OF GHOSTFACE IS THE VOICE OF MOJO JOJO FROM “THE POWERPUFF GIRLS”

When a character answers the phone and is met with the sinister voice of Ghostface, it’s inevitable to feel chills. But did you know that this voice might have been part of your childhood in a completely different way? Get ready to be surprised!

Roger L. Jackson is the voice behind Ghostface in the four films of the franchise so far, but did you know that he also voices Mojo Jojo in “The Powerpuff Girls”? In addition to his role in the MTV series “Scream,” Jackson has lent his talented voice to various animations, including “Avatar” and “Regular Show”.

8 – COURTENEY COX HAD TO CONVINCE SHE COULD BE A “BITCH”

Courteney Cox portrays the journalist Gale Weathers in the “Scream” franchise, a role she reprises in the new film. However, in 1996, Cox also played another iconic role: that of Monica in “Friends.”

The characteristics of Monica and Gale are quite distinct. Courteney was so associated with the image of the sweet character from “Friends” that she needed to convince the director of “Scream” of her ability to play a different role. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight in 2016, she revealed: “I wrote a letter to Wes, because I think I’ve always been known for being very sweet, and I said: ‘I can be a real bitch'”. Fortunately, her boldness paid off!

9 – CONVINCING NEVE CAMPBELL TO RETURN TO THE FRANCHISE

The new chapter of “Scream” marks the beginning of a fresh era for the franchise, while also paying homage to the legacy of Wes Craven, who passed away from brain cancer in 2015. Although it follows the events of “Scream 4,” it is not simply a linear continuation of the existing plot. It’s an entirely new moment, a rejuvenated era.
Neve Campbell, the actress who portrays Sidney Prescott, initially hesitated to reprise her role without Craven’s guidance, with whom she worked for 15 years. However, her decision was solidified after watching another film by directors James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick: “Ready or Not.”

“I was quite apprehensive about embarking on one of these films without Wes,” Campbell revealed to Comic Book. “The directors sent me a letter along with the invitation, emphasizing that their inspiration to become directors was Wes Craven’s work. They expressed immense respect for being involved in this project… When I watched ‘Ready or Not’ and saw how skilled they are, I thought ‘They are capable of doing this’.”

10 – BUDGET AND BOX OFFICE OF THE FIRST FILM

The first film in the franchise, released in 1996, had a budget of 14 million dollars and an incredible box office gross of 173 million dollars!

As we delve into the intricacies of the “Scream” franchise, its unique position in the pantheon of modern horror becomes evident. From its gripping debut to the intriguing behind-the-scenes details, each film in the series is a testament to the talent and vision of its creators. From trivia about the iconic Ghostface mask to posthumous tributes to Wes Craven, the journey of “Scream” is a captivating blend of terror, humor, and suspense. As we eagerly await the next chapter of this saga, the enduring legacy that the franchise has left on pop culture is undeniable. May we continue to be surprised and engaged by the dark mysteries and intricate plots that “Scream” has to offer.