The early Scream film franchise terrorized audiences between 1996 and 2000 by taking on a meta-slasher approach. And now, it is returning to its roots by going by the original title for its fifth installment. Paramount Pictures has released the newest trailer for “Scream.” With “Ready or Not” directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett who are stepping in for the late Wes Craven, “Scream” sees the Ghostface Killer make a mysterious come back and go on another murder spree. But as the trailer hints at, though the killer may be connected to prior murders, the game has changed.
The “Scream” film franchise is just one of those things that finds a way to stay relevant to the times. So it makes sense that it takes another modern approach with the characters – or should I say victims. As the opening of the trailer teases, modern-day home security does have its flaws. But it should be interesting to see what this film will have to say considering “Scream 4” was commentary on the extensive usage of social media and the obsession with internet fame. I guess we will have to wait and see.
Though this “Scream” is being billed as a relaunch, it serves as a direct sequel to “Scream 4,” with Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”), Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) and David Arquette (“Dewey Riley”) return to their iconic roles from the film. They are all joined by the latest franchise newcomers Melissa Barrera, Kyle Gallner, Mason Gooding, Mikey Madison, Dylan Minnette, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Sonia Ammar.
Here’s the official plot synopsis for “Scream:”
Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past.
“Scream” is also among the first of the films not to be directed by Wes Craven, who passed away in 2015. But it looks like the latest installment and the franchise itself is in good hands considering that it is being directed by “Ready or Not” filmmakers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.
Written by James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick, based on characters created by Kevin Williamson, “Scream” opens in theaters on January 14, 2022.
