When Scream 4 hit theaters this past April, it wasn’t the box office smash that director Wes Craven and producer Bob Weinstein had hoped for – especially compared to its predecessors. While it made a little over twice its $40 million budget worldwide, it made $2 million less than that domestically. (Eek.)
Which is why it’s surprising, some five months later, to hear Wes Craven say that Scream 5 is almost definitely a go — though he might not be directing.
When asked if a Scream 5 was on the way, courtesy of Movieweb, Craven said:
“Yes. The odds are that there will be [a Scream 5]. It is something that Bob Weinstein wants to do. He tends to do what he wants to do. So I am inclined to think that there will be [another sequel]. Whether I will be a part of it or not? I don’t know. My contract gives me the first look. If they show me something that is really wonderful? Of course I will be a part of it.”
Wes Craven’s box office track record in the past few years doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in his money-making abilities. Scream 4 notwithstanding, My Soul to Take and Cursed were both terrible fiscal failures. Only Red Eye, starring Cillian Murphy and Rachel McAdams, made its money back. So it’s easy to imagine a scenario where additional Screams were made with a new director at the helm.
When asked what his plans for Scream 5 would entail, Craven said:
“I’d have to kill you if I told you. Its better to have an ending where you can’t tell where it’s going to go next. Than to have an ending where you go, ‘Oh, that is the hook for the sequel. That is the hook for the next one.’ We felt it was better to let the audience speculate than to have all of these clues placed in their lap. It’s not a matter of not being smart enough [to figure out how 4 ties into 5]. We’re clever at this. Let’s just put it that way.”
The cast of 'Scream 4'
On how the films are concocted:
“Most people think that I sit around and think up [the] ideas, then I send them to the studio. With Scream, that is not the case. Kevin Williamson has been the writer since day one. He has been the writer on all of these projects, at least at the beginning of them. That relationship with him and Bob Weinstein is very old, and close. Typically what will happen is that Bob Weinstein or Kevin Williamson will come up with a new idea, and they will pitch it to one or the other. If they both like it, they will toss it around and see if they can develop it into an overarching concept. Then I get the telephone call. They say, ‘We have something to show you.’ It will either be a scene, or if it is Kevin Williamson, he will run through the idea with me from beginning to end. That is what happened on this one. There were a few pages. Not many. At some point there was a first draft. But it mainly started with me and Kevin Williamson sitting down in a restaurant in Los Angeles. He showed me how it would go, and I really thought he had something there. So I signed on. Before that point, I am at a position where I don’t want to be involved with something until the script is there. That makes me not a part of the original process, of banging out the idea. I think that Kevin Williamson is the best at that. And Bob Weinstein is all over that too. I don’t want to play another guy in that. Going into [Scream 4], the first meeting I had with Kevin Williamson, he did sketch out a Scream 5 and 6. The idea was that we were doing the first in a new trilogy. We had to wait to see if we made enough money on each film to make the next one viable. If that happens, those two will come up with the concepts and an idea that is worth fulfilling.”
It’s interesting to hear about the relationship between Kevin Williamson – who has had two TV hits recently with The Vampire Diaries and Secret Circle – and Bob Weinstein, especially considering the admitted friction they had on the Scream 4 set (which may or may not have led to their parting of the ways, which may or may not have been the reason Kevin Williamson has yet to watch the fourquel). Would Williamson really be up for rounding out the second Scream trilogy after all that?
Despite its less-than-impressive box office take, Scream 4 was a fun, tongue-in-cheek – to the point of self-parody – horror flick. There were a lot of clever, funny, and creative ideas throughout with regard to recent industry movements like “torture porn” and “horror-movie-remake-itus”. And even though it was nothing to write home about (and definitely a lesser picture than the original), it was easily as good or better than 2 and 3.
The point being: this particular writer would welcome a Scream 5, if said sequel ended up being as entertaining as number four.
But what about you guys? Are you interested in seeing a fifth Scream, or was the fourth the straw the broke the camel’s back? Let us know in the comments.
And stay tuned for more Scream 5 news.
Follow me on Twitter @benandrewmoore.
Source: Movieweb
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Why?
I’d be ok with it but believe it or not I think another director should do it. Even though Craven is the director responsible for me getting into horror movies with The original Elm Street his track record lately has not been to great. I thought Scream 4 was pretty good but when I saw it in the theater I felt like there was a great idea being played out but something was off in the delivery. And IMO that is the fault of Craven. So maybe a younger director with a fresh perspective should get a shot…
I agree with the “something missing” part. They did an okay job of casting the young leads except for Emma Roberts in the lead. Man, was she awful. I didn’t believe her for one second. But I guess it doesn’t matter as long as you have a famous father and aunt.
I’d be alright with two more of these but they’d have to up the intensity level a little. And you’re right, Kevin7, another director.
I love all the “Scream” films. There should be AT LEAST 2 more. Kevin Williamson should have full and total script control. For me, I don’t care if it is Wes Craven or another director. Craven is good, but he’s not the ONLY talented director.
I disagree that Emma Roberts was bad in “Scream 4″. I thought she was the best, and most believable, of all the killers so far. Her motive, trying to “become” Sidney rather than just kill her, because she didn’t want to have to go to school or work, was very creepy to me and spoke volumes about the state our culture is in. And Roberts didn’t ham it up too much once she was revealed as the killer, which I thought was good.
Well crap. I haven’t seen it yet. Oh well. My fault for reading I guess. Damn! It’s Sixth Sense all over again.
Scream 4 was just another generic and derivative horror movie. Emma Roberts shouldn’t have even been in that film. This film series was already repetitious and monotonous. Nothing but a cash grab. And suckers gladly ponied up to watch it. Why do they insist on continuing this tired old franchise?? It’s the same old story over and over. Write something new Hollywood! Wonder when they’ll officially announce Scream 5 and that it will feature the entire casts of Glee, Gossip Girl, Jersey Shore, One Tree Hill and The Only Way Is Essex. Should be a cinch! More cash!
WOW! I couldn’t agree more. I felt the same way with Emma.
Absolutely. Its all about the quick cash. Audiences are getting fed up with the franchise. At least I think so.
The same for Transformers, pirates, Harry Potter, and all sequels (dont forget all horror movies like Saw, Jason , Freddy, Chucky)….all repetitious and monotonous. So why keep going? Because of the fans and the money !!!! On my part I cant wait for Scream 5 and why not !
I don’t think harry potter fit in that catigory, the last movie made a ton of money and almost everyone was anticipating it. But I agree with transformers and pirates
But if you are not fan of Harry Potter it can get gruesome after a time, I know I saw all 8 movies….
If by derivative, you mean it tried to keep some of the stuff fans love about the series intact, then yes, it was derivative. But the “Scream” series has a lot more on its mind than most horror franchises and “Scream 4″ has more subtext to it than any of the installments so far. It’s a very underrated film and I get tired of hearing haters bash it just because they don’t get it. People should stop acting like their poorly thought out opinions are the official opinions of the world.
I liked scream 4 (to a certain degree) and before I saw scream 4 I would have jumped at the idea of a new trilogy but after seeing Scream 4 how could they possibly make a 5 and 6? The story has to be wrapped up here because I dont know how many more people could come after this one person. It really is getting out of control. We have done the family thing (3/4), the boyfriend (1), and the crazy psyco (2) so what is left?
I think the killer right now will be straight up completely random and unrelated…just doing for the glory of being newsworthy and a star(picking up where scream 4 left off) but is taht where we want to end the franchise?
Scream 4′s prob’s were that it did a TERRIBLE job at opening up a new trilogy while at the same time not wrapping up the current story teh way we woudl have liked. Personally, one of the main 3 characters should have died (Gale, Dewey, Sid, probably not Sid though) and the killer, or at least 1 of the killers, should have not been caught. This would have been a great segway into a 5th film, the killer for once still being on the loose and the audience left wondering in between films who this killer was.
Scream 5/6 should be dead in the water…the story is over move on or just begin with the inneviteble reboot
I hated Scream 4, but I do agree on the rest.
I agree. For the story to continue with a fresh feel, Emma Roberts character should have survived. The movie should have ended with her being dragged away to the hospital. The new trilogy should have centered around her and her having achieved stardom and having it not be everything she thought it would be. She now finds herself the target of a new killer.
Who would it be? Idk. Maybe Sidney should have finally snapped and is now caving into all the horrific events in her life. She should not continue living happily ever after, after all that she’s been through. Sid is old news and it’s time for a NEW trilogy. I understand how likable she is and how important it is to have likeable leads, but this is supposed to be a fresh take on a genre that stopped being so forgiving a decade ago.
There are numerous ways to continue the story. For one thing, Jill could still be alive. So could Kirby, for that matter.
If I was writing Scream 5, I would open with Jill in a mental hospital, planning a way to escape and get revenge on Sidney and co. I would have her escape the hospital, but then I’d have another Ghostface show up and murder her. This would be an original twist, having the opening victim be the killer from the last film, and would raise interesting questions about what exactly the new Ghostface is up to.
I totally agree with u, I think these haters on here don’t understand the actual story behind it all, or the fact that in the scream world its a whole new set of rules, picture it as actual life but with the rules of a horror movie, its brilliant, I cant wait to c how it ends. Look at saw, a lot of ppl thought it also dragged on becuz the series was 7 movies long, but rlly it had a fantastic story and ended great, it all summed up missing ends I thought I lost out on. Or even harry potter, fantastic. Even chucky was great up tp child’s play 3, I felt that bride of chucky was decent but should of left out the comedy, and seed of chucky was completely retarded. And as far as transformers, that can’t b in that category it hasn’t bin stretched at all, u gotta understand that transformers was a classic cartoon turned movie, all that stpry from the movies was already written out. Sum of these ppl rlly need to understand movies
What the hell are you talking about.
Couldn’t disagree more. I loved Scream 4. I waited for it, and I was happy with what I was given. Seeing Courntey Cox, David Arquette & Neve Campbell reprise all their iconic roles made me very happy. I think that the story could have been a little less cliche’ but that’s what made the scream movies work. The ending blew my mind away and left me with many questions that the prior 3 had never done. I think that a part 5 & 6 can be done cleverly if the script is smart and all 3 actors reprise their roles because without them, there is no Scream. That’s just my opinion. Maybe Wes needs a co-director for some fresh ideas. I personlally think he’s brilliant in his own right.
You are so right. And we should make rob zombie make a Halloween 3 .I love Halloween
Heck we got a Final Destination 5….why not Scream 5??
Scream 4 was great. Not as good as 1 but way better then 2 and 3. Bring on Scream 5!
Of course we got final destination 5, I hope it goes longer, scream couldn’t even b a part of that category cuz scream is gonna have to end and I’m gonna guess 6 will b the ultimate end but final destination is a story about ppl seeing their death and others before It happens and trying to figure out a way for it to skip u but in the end nobody escapes death, not has their ever bin a survivor in final destination whether they showed it of it was special features but that pretty much makes it easy to make sequels cuz its always another story. Its sum1 else’s time to die and they dont want to accept it but they will jus like life, wen ur time is up its up but the kills r Wut makes it interesting as long as their realistic
I loved Scream 4 and all of the Scream films for the most part (Scream 3 is the only one that i didnt love but it still was good) and I would love to see a sequel but only if Craven returns as director and Williamson returns as screenwriter.
Scream 4 was my first scream movie and I LOVED IT!!! I cant wait for scream 5.
I enjoyed part IV and welcome another sequel… But only if Craven and Williamson return.
I wouldn’t mind a new director but I want williamson!!!! I also think that to get a lot of money they need to make up something AMAZINGGGG
I’m a huge fan of the SCREAM series and loved the fourth. It’s not as great as the first two but better than the third. Would kill for a fifth!
That’s funny! Everyone in the cast photo died in the film. Haha.
I love the Scream franchise. I love Wes Craven. I love horror. Bring on number 5!
Scream 4 was awful.
The movie didn’t give the scares and the chills I had as a kid when I watched the first Scream movie.
No Scream 5, please no.
Rarely does a movie elicit the same fear/laughs/surprises/originality of the original, because usually that original movie caught lightning in a bottle. Think about The Hangover; the original came out of nowhere and caught us all off guard by how funny it was. When they tried to duplicate that success, they failed.
Don’t be surprised if a movie you loved at 10 yrs old is not as funny now that you’re 20 yrs old. Watch that movie through the eyes of a 10 yr old again and you’ll find it’s still pretty darn funny.
Bring on Scream 5!
please part 5 bring it
on xx
Yeh, I’m keen for a 5th entry….have sid be the killer or one of the teens from Glee
Yes to Scream 5!!!!!!!
Just no 3D!
Best sequel of the series but flawed yet I enjoyed it. nice seeing Neve Campbell again.
If not Wes Craven, then who should direct? That’s not possible.
It was pretty rubbish. i kind of enjoyed it in a stupid way. definitely the worst one though
The statement Scream 4 is easily as good or better than Scream 2 is laughable considering that Scream 2 is slightly scarier and funnier than the original. The Rotten Tomatoes consensus for Scream 2 even agrees with me. The identity of the killers was more creative in Scream 2 than Scream. Scream 4 is better than Scream 3 (which sucked) but it definitely pales in comparison to 1 & 2.
In a way, Scream 4 had the most ties to the original of any of the sequels and would have worked even if Scream 2 and 3 had never happened. Yet it had moments that honored memorable parts in each installment. I agree there were flaws in Scream 4. There were also flaws in the other 3. Each time, at least for me, the cleverness and playful spark of this franchise, along with Neve Campbell’s performances as the most kick ass horror movie heroine of all time are enough for each chapter to overcome what are ultimately kind of nitpicky problems with the movies.
Mary McDonnell had absolutely nothing to do in Scream 4. People don’t talk about Bruce Willis after being stabbed in the brain. Those are Scream 4′s flaws. Big deal. There are tons more good things about it. I think some people decide not to like movies like these before they’ve even seen them.
Scream 4 was great but it was flawed. My biggest complaint has always been that the same 3 characters always live. Can’t a new trio be used? I understand Syd since she is the central star. But Dewey shouldve been killed off in Scream 2. The whole bumbling, goofy cop act is tired. But I do love Scream 4′s view on the current remake/reboot craze going on. Don’t f*** with the original all the while lampooning itself. Maybe in Scream 5 they kill Sydney off in the prologue; sorta like they did Jamie Lee in Halloween Resurrection. That took everyone by surprise though the rest of the movie sucked. Just a thought. I’ll watch Scream 5. It’ll beat another fluffy Kate Hudson or Jennifer Aniston romcom Warner Brothers keep spewing out on us every week.
Scream 4 was ok. I didn’t *LOVE* it but I. Thought it could have been better. 1 of the main characters should have died. And one or 2 of the new characters should have lived. I liked Kirby. They should have left her alive. Killed Gale. And Jill should have survived. Also She was not a very convincing bad guy. They were over the top when Olivia got killed that wasnot called for. Overall id give the film a C.Id watch Scream 5 since ima fan of the franchise but Golly everybody and they dam momma wanna kill sidney. Its OLD and played out.
Yeah the kills were over the top but in a horror movie that is kinda a given. It was a huge step over the boring simple stabbing and throat slitting that plagued Scream 3 (still the worst in the franchise, imo).
i am excited..scream 4 was good more than good and had perfect cast,if only they could reduce the budget the would have more profit,anyway i don’t think that scream 4 was a fail, is just that people didn’t go to see it for two reasons,first because it’s scream 4,the fourth and people are bored to see the previous to understand the sequels and second the film upload so quickly on the net with a hd cam rip so people didn’t go to see it….and also it was that the movie is sequel,a sequel of a 2000 film scream 3 that is been made before 12 years………….
I don’t know why everyone bashes Scream 3. I loved the 3rd 1. The ending was the genious. Scream 4 to me was not better then the 3rd one. They killed Cotton @ the begining, Jamie Kennedy had a cameo, and Parker Posey cracked me up. Scream 4 had decent acting and the movie was short. I also felt like there were too many characters that were under developed and they all died which sucked. So the begining of a new trilogy still gone have Gale, Dewey, and Sidney. That’s boring. Scream film series needs to end.
I just finished watching Scream 4 and it was better than it looked in the trailer. I guess I’m up for another Scream movie. I’m hoping Patrick Dempsey might make an appearance, I loved him in the third movie.
I say bring on scream 5. They have many many others that shouldn’t have 5 or 6 movies, but SCREAM is one that should. My all time favorite!
Personally I love the campy style that Wes Craven brings to the franchise, but in order to survive a horror movie crowd these days, things need to change. If Wes Craven does the next one and doesn’t really spice it up we are in for another Scream 3 atrocity! What we need is a true reboot, Rob Zombie style. Rob really reworked the entire Halloween series and a similar overhaul would do wonders for the Scream franchise!
Worst idea I ever heard. Why would it need a reboot, especially by Rob Zombie? So he can turn Sid and Dewey and everyone else into white trash and be the victims of physical and sexual abuse? No thank you. His first Halloween I thought was great except for the implication that Michael did was he did because he grew up in a crappy house hold. There were no such implications in the original and just the idea of doing it is ridiculous. 2 was garbage, house of a 1000 corpses was garbage, only true Rob Zombie film that was any good was The Devils Rejects. RZ, please don’t touch the Scream series, Wes, turn it up a notch.