Exclusive Insider Insights: Radical Transformations Unveiled for Scream 4, 5 & 6!
The original plans for Scream 4, 5 & 6 by the scream writer would have completely transformed the franchise, placing Sidney at the center of it all Discover the intriguing details of the alternative direction that could have taken the iconic horror series in a whole new direction
Summary
Original Scream screenwriter Kevin Williamson reveals his different plans for Sidney Prescott's story in Scream 4, 5, and 6, with a story built around her new marriage.
When more Ghostface killings begin, the movies would have delved into her apprehensions about her partner, Sidney worrying that it's a repetition of the Billy Loomis incident. Williamson's plan would have significantly altered the course of the franchise, avoiding the introduction of a fresh, younger group of heroes through a "requel" storyline.
Scream franchise writer Kevin Williamson recently shared that he initially had a different vision for Sidney Prescott's story in Scream 4, 5, and 6. Sidney, portrayed by Neve Campbell, has been a pivotal character in five out of the six movies in the franchise. Williamson wrote the first four movies, all of which placed Sidney as the central protagonist. However, in the upcoming 2022 sequel and this year's Scream 6, new writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick have taken over. In a recent interview on the Happy Horror Time podcast (via THR), Williamson mentioned that if he had written the films, he would have explored Sidney's romantic life more prominently. Here is Williamson's complete statement.
“Scream IV, V, and VI would have revolved around the captivating love story of Sidney Prescott. The narrative would have delved into her blossoming romance and impending marriage, adding a layer of complexity as these horrifying murders resurface once more. The audience would be left pondering whether the man she loves could potentially be the killer yet again. Would she find herself trapped in a Billy Loomis-esque situation once more? Will she continue to make wrong choices and gravitate towards the wrong person?”
Williamson's Original Scream Plan Would've Totally Changed The Franchise
In a bold departure from its predecessors, the fifth installment of the Scream franchise, released in 2022, veers into uncharted territory. Dubbed a "requel" by the characters within the film, this reboot sequel significantly alters Sidney's narrative trajectory. No longer occupying the central spotlight, as she did in all previous iterations, Sidney assumes a role more akin to that of a guiding force and supportive presence. Instead, the focus shifts onto Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera, who breathe life into new characters, propelling the franchise forward while paying homage to its origins.
Williamson's reasons for deviating from his original plan for Scream 4 remain unclear. However, the course of the last two sequels would have been significantly altered had he followed through. Unlike the eventual "requel" approach taken for 2022's Scream, Williamson had no inclination to introduce younger stars as the new focal point of the franchise moving forward.
In Scream 4, it is revealed through dialogue that Sidney, played by Patrick Dempsey's Mark Kincaid, was married. This character was first introduced in the third installment in 2000. Though Williamson does not provide specifics, it is likely that his envisioned story would have portrayed Sidney falling in love with an entirely different and enigmatic character. With Sidney assuming a central role in Williamson's planned Scream sequels, Courteney Cox's Gale and David Arquette's Dewey would also have played significant roles in the narratives.
Source: Happy Horror Time (via THR)
