The Evolution of Ghostface's Fierce Opponents: A Look at Scream's Star-Studded Cast
Discover the star-studded line-up that has come face to face with Ghostface in the iconic Scream franchise Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and an array of talented actors have tackled the chilling masked killer Uncover the all-star cast of Scream through the years (348 characters)
What scary movie do you enjoy the most? For a lot of people, it might be one of the Scream movies.
The original Scream movie, penned by Kevin Williamson and helmed by Wes Craven, premiered in 1996. Its popularity led to significant success and the birth of a thriving franchise, which produced three more films in 1997, 2000, and 2011.
Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette have all appeared in all four Scream films. The series has also featured other notable stars in various roles, including Drew Barrymore, Emma Roberts, Liev Schreiber, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jamie Kennedy, and Laurie Metcalf. The franchise was adapted into a television series for MTV in 2015, later moving to VH1 for its third season in 2019, but was not renewed for a fourth.
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In April 2020, Ready or Not directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett were announced to direct the fifth installment of Scream, set for release in 2022. The following year, they returned for Scream VI, which shifted the action from the fictional town of Woodsboro, California, to New York City.
Keep scrolling to find out which actors have survived encounters with Ghostface in the iconic horror franchise over the years, and which ones haven't been so lucky.
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Scream’s All-Star Cast Through the Years: All the Actors Who Faced Off With Ghostface
What’s your favorite scary movie? For many, the answer might be one of the many Scream flicks.
The inaugural Scream movie, penned by Kevin Williamson and helmed by Wes Craven, premiered in 1996. Its immense popularity led to a successful franchise, spawning three more films in 1997, 2000, and 2011.
Neve Campbell (Sydney Prescott), Courteney Cox (Gale Weathers), and David Arquette (Dwight “Dewey” Riley) have appeared in all four Scream movies. Additionally, the horror series has featured other notable stars in roles throughout its various installments, including Drew Barrymore, Emma Roberts, Liev Schreiber, Jada Pinkett Smith, Jamie Kennedy, and Laurie Metcalf.
Several years after the release of Scream 4, the slasher film franchise was turned into a television series for MTV in 2015. The series later shifted to VH1 for its third season in 2019 but was not continued for a fourth season.
In April 2020, it was announced that the fifth installment of the Scream franchise, titled 'Scream', would be directed by the filmmakers of Ready or Not, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and released in 2022. The following year, they returned for Scream VI, which relocated the slasher action from the fictional town of Woodsboro, California, to New York City.
Scroll down to see which actors have eluded Ghostface — and which haven’t fared as well — in the legendary horror films over the years.
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Neve Campbell
In 1996, Scream was a surprise hit, earning just $6 million in its first weekend but going on to make $103 million in the U.S. Neve Campbell appeared in the next four films but decided to leave the franchise after rejecting the studio's salary offer.
In a statement to We in June 2022, Campbell said, "Unfortunately, I will not be part of the next Scream film. As a woman, I have had to work exceptionally hard in my career to establish my worth, especially in relation to Scream. I felt that the offer presented to me did not reflect the value I have brought to the franchise. It has been a tough decision to move on. To all my Scream fans, I love you. You have always been incredibly supportive of me. I am forever grateful to you and to what this franchise has given me over the past 25 years."
Credit: Miramax/Kobal/Shutterstock
Drew Barrymore
The opening scene of Scream features Casey (Barrymore) receiving threatening calls from a stranger. In the 1996 horror film, the caller asks, "What's your favorite scary movie?" The masked killer, Ghostface, then pursues Casey outside the house and ultimately kills her.
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Emma Roberts
During the filming process, there were instances where we found ourselves in a strange house at 2 a.m. and I would often feel quite spooked," the actress, known for her role as Jill Roberts in Scream 4, shared with ELLE in 2011. "However, what has consistently captivated me about the Scream films is their ability to instill fear one moment and elicit laughter the next."
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David Arquette and Courteney Cox
Arquette expressed his adoration for the franchise, having met his ex-wife, Cox, while portraying Dewey Riley in 1996's Scream. He shared, "I love being an audience member watching it and laughing and being scared."
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Matthew Lillard and Rose McGowan
As a result of the increasing number of murders in Woodsboro, school was canceled and Stu Macher (Lillard) decided to host a raucous party for his friends. Tragically, both Stu and his girlfriend, Tatum Riley (McGowan), met their demise in the initial movie.
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Jenny McCarthy
McCarthy portrayed Sarah Darling in Scream 3, a make-believe actress who had a role in the movie Stab 3. She is lured to Roman Bridger's office after he contacts her, where she ultimately meets her demise at the hands of Ghostface.
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Erik Knudsen, Rory Culkin, Marielle Jaffe and Hayden Panettiere
"In a community that is highly knowledgeable about Scream and the storyline, it becomes more difficult to surprise them," remarked Panettiere, portraying the character Kirby in Scream 4. "I believe the script has been crafted exceptionally well to keep the audience on their toes."
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Scott Foley and Parker Posey
In Scream 3, Foley took on the role of Stab 3: Return to Woodsboro director Roman Bridger, while Posey portrayed actress Jennifer Jolie. Sadly, Posey's character meets her demise at the hands of Ghostface, but Bridger's character had a more substantial storyline: he was unveiled as Sidney's covert half-brother!
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Omar Epps and Jada Pinkett Smith
In Scream 2's opening sequence, the lovebirds were brutally stabbed to death during a screening of Stab, the film based on the Woodsboro murders seen in Scream.
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Skeet Ulrich
Ulrich portrayed the character of Sidney's boyfriend, Billy Loomis, in Scream — however, he was far from being a caring partner. It is later disclosed by Billy that he and Stu (Matthew Lillard) had murdered Sidney's mother a year earlier due to her involvement with his father.
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Anna Paquin and Kristen Bell
Bell has expressed, "My role in Scream 4 is a blast, and the audience will enjoy it just as much as the original. It takes a surprising turn, but it was a joy to be a part of."
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Jerry O'Connell
O'Connell portrayed Derek, Sidney's former college boyfriend, in the film Scream 2. When it is revealed that Mickey (played by Timothy Olyphant) is Ghostface, he accuses Derek of being his partner in crime. Before Derek can defend himself, Mickey shoots him.
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Liev Schreiber
The actor played Cotton Weary in the first three Scream films. He was wrongfully accused of raping and murdering Sidney's mother, Maureen Prescott.
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Portia de Rossi, Rebecca Gayheart and Sarah Michelle Gellar
The trio played sorority sisters in 1997's Scream 2. The first to die? Gellar's character, Cici, who was stabbed and thrown over the balcony by Ghostface.
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Adam Brody
The OC alum plays Deputy Ross Hoss in Scream 4. He was stabbed in the back by Ghostface.
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Jamie Kennedy
Though his character was stabbed to death in Scream 2, Kennedy reprised his role in Scream 3 in a series of tapes Randy made prior to his death.
Credit: Miramax/Courtesy Everett Collection
Kelly Rutherford
In the initial sequences of Scream 3 from 2000, Rutherford and her character's romantic interest, Cotton Weary (portrayed by Liev Schreiber), were killed after refusing to disclose Sidney's location to a man who was willing to "kill to know where Sidney is."
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Henry Winkler
The former Happy Days star played Principal Arthur Himbry in the original slasher flick.
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Lucy Hale and Shenae Grimes
The opening scene of Scream 4 features Hale and Grimes portraying fictional friends in the movie within the movie, Stab 6. As they discuss which film to watch, they are harassed by Ghostface over the phone, and eventually, the serial killer appears and murders them both.
Credit: Everett Collection
Laurie Metcalf
Throughout most of Scream 2, she masquerades as local news reporter Debbie Salt. However, as the film reaches its climax, she reveals her true identity as Billy's mom, Mrs. Loomis. She then enlists the help of Mickey (Timothy Olyphant) from a website dedicated to serial killers and together they plot their revenge on Sidney.
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Timothy Olyphant
Olyphant’s character Mickey Altieri appeared to be a normal college student, but was later revealed as one of the killers. Sidney and Gale fatally shot him.
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Emily Mortimer
Mortimer appeared as Stab 3 cast member Angelina Tyler, who was killed by Ghostface in Scream 3 at the intimate gathering held at John Milton’s (Lance Henriksen) mansion.
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Patrick Dempsey
In Scream 3, Dempsey portrayed Mark Kincaid — a detective tasked with uncovering the culprit behind the murders happening on the set of Stab 3. As the movie reaches its climax, Mark tracks Sidney to the mansion where several Stab 3 cast members had already been killed. Despite arriving at a suspicious moment, Mark ultimately assists Sidney in confronting the killer, joining forces with Gale and Dewey.
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Anthony Anderson
The comedic actor played Detective Anthony Perkins, who was tasked with watching over Sidney and Jill. He was ultimately stabbed in the head.
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Alison Brie
In Scream 4, Brie played the role of Rebecca Walters, serving as Sidney’s publicist and personal assistant. During a trip to Woodsboro for Sidney’s book signing, Rebecca is viciously attacked by Ghostface in a parking garage, resulting in a fatal stabbing to her stomach. Her lifeless body is then callously discarded onto a nearby truck.
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Aimee Teegarden and Britt Robertson
During the viewing of the movie Stab 7, Marnie (Robertson) and Jenny (Teegarden) engage in a conversation about their differing perspectives on the horror film. Teegarden’s character deceives Marnie into believing she is Ghostface, only for the actual killer to appear and fatally attack Marnie. Subsequently, Ghostface proceeds to target Jenny, initiating the sequence of events that unfold in Scream 4.
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Nico Tortorella
Trevor Sheldon, played by the Younger star, was the ex-boyfriend of Roberts' character Jill in Scream 4. In a shocking twist, Jill ends up shooting her former beau in the head after revealing herself to be Ghostface.
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Marley Shelton
Shelton played Deputy Judy Hicks in Scream 4. As an officer with the Woodsboro Police, she worked alongside Dewey to help determine the new Ghostface killer.
Credit: Philippe Bossé
Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega
Barrera and Ortego take the helm in the fifth and sixth installments of the franchise, portraying sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter, respectively. In a departure from the norm, Tara survives the initial Ghostface attack in Scream, setting the stage for her continued battle. Meanwhile, it is revealed that Sam is the secret daughter of the original Ghostface killer, Billy Loomis, which gives her an advantage over the other assailants targeting her and her friends.
In November 2023, Barrera was fired from the seventh film after publicly weighing in on the conflict in Israel and Palestine.
Credit: Brownie Harris (2)
Jack Quaid and Mikey Madison
Quaid played the role of Richie Kirsch, Sam's boyfriend in the 2022 film Scream. He assisted the new final girl in solving the mystery of Woodboro's latest killer, only to be revealed as the person behind the mask. Additionally, Madison, who had recently appeared as one of the Manson murder victims in Once Upon a Time ... in Hollywood, portrayed Richie's accomplice Amber Freeman, who met a fiery end at the hands of Gale and Tara.
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Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding
The actress from The Yellowjackets and the star of Love, Victor portray the characters of twins Mindy and Chad Meeks-Martin, who are the niece and nephew of Randy from the initial two movies. These two individuals are Tara's friends from high school and end up entangled in the murderous rampages of Ghostface in Scream and Scream VI.
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Dylan Minnette
The 13 Reasons Why alum took on the role of Judy Hicks' son, Wes, in 2022's Scream. He suffered the same fate as his onscreen mom, as both died at the hands of Ghostface.
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Dermot Mulroney
Mulroney traded in his status as a rom-com veteran for a serial killer, as his character Detective Bailey was revealed as one of three Ghostface killers in Scream VI.
Credit: Philippe Bossé (2)
Jack Champion and Liana Liberato
Champion and Liberato also etched their names in history by being part of the franchise's inaugural trio of assailants in Scream VI. The duo portrayed Detective Bailey's children Ethan and Quinn, who joined forces to avenge the death of their son and brother, Scream killer Richie.
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Samara Weaving, Tony Revolori and Josh Segarra
Well-versed in the horror genre, Weaving from Ready or Not followed in the footsteps of Barrymore as the opening kill in Scream VI. Revolori was unmasked as a fake Ghostface before being brutally murdered by the real killer, while Segarra's character Danny Brackett aided his girlfriend, Sam, and Tara in defeating their newest adversary.
