Do you like scary movies? If so, you’re in for a treat: the trailer for the upcoming Scream reboot has now dropped online. After weeks of cryptic posts on the movie’s official social media channels, the release of several character stills, an emoji, and even the news that the house from the original film is available to book on Airbnb, audiences have finally been offered a slice of what they can expect from the much-anticipated fifth instalment in the popular franchise.
Set for release on 14 January 2022, Scream will arrive just a few weeks after the 25th anniversary of the seminal first film: a movie touted by many as being responsible for reinvigorating the slasher genre in the 1990s with its brand of playful meta-horror. The series central trio—Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox)—will all be returning, joined by a host of newcomers including Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Dylan Minnette, and Jack Quaid. Roger L. Jackson, who has supplied the iconic Ghostface voice in all four films, will also reprise his role.
Scream will also mark the first movie in the franchise not to be helmed by director Wes Craven, after the lauded horror auteur sadly passed away in 2015. Taking on the mantle is the Ready or Not directing duo Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, from a screenplay co-written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. Both Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin have spoken frequently about honouring Craven’s legacy. And sure enough, the trailer begins with a less-than-subtle homage to the original as a young girl is taunted and attacked in a way that recalls the doomed Casey Becker, Drew Barrymore’s character from the 1996 film.
In another nod to the first film, it seems that at least some of the action will be returning to the scene of the bloody finale from 25 years ago: the house of Matthew Lillard’s supposedly-deceased character, Stu Macher. But perhaps the trailer’s most intriguing reveal is that Ghostface appears to be targeting people related to the original killers. It’s a development that’s sure to get the cogs of Scream enthusiasts everywhere turning with notable fervour, throwing up several burning questions pertaining to the genealogy of this new crop of Woodsboro teenagers.
The answers, it seems, will have to wait until the New Year. In the meantime, let the theorising commence.
Words by George Nash
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.