Warning: SPOILERS for Scream 2022.
One of the beloved legacy characters had to die in Scream 2022, but the script’s original plan for Dewey made his death even better. Reviving the franchise over 10 years after Scream 4 and the passing of Wes Craven in 2015, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett needed to prove the fifth installment had serious stakes. Scream 2022 succeeds in making clear that its seemingly unkillable trio is no longer safe.
Featuring in all five Scream movies, David Arquette’s Dewey Riley evolved from a hapless deputy into a reliable hero, always willing to risk his life to save others. However, after evading death several times, Dewey's luck finally runs out in Scream 2022. Retired and divorced from Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox), the former sheriff is at a low point with nothing left to lose when he faces Ghostface one last time.
When another Ghostface killer plagues Woodsboro and targets Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera), Dewey begrudgingly agrees to assist her investigation into the murder spree. This leads to arguably the most heartbreaking loss in the Scream franchise, as Dewey dies saving Tara (Jenna Ortega) from Ghostface. Yet, as memorable as this final scene is, Scream 2022’s original Dewey plan was better. The script emphasized his alcoholism and world-weary attitude and made him a suspect following a violent clash with a future victim, lending greater weight to his fateful decision to unmask Ghostface.
Scream 2022 introduces Dewey in very humble circumstances, living in a messy trailer instead of the suburban home seen in the underrated Scream 4. Forcibly retired from Woodsboro’s police force and seemingly often drowning his sorrows, his only reprieve is Gale's morning show. Every one of his scenes building to his death is emotional. However, Scream 2022’s script originally offered even more depressing insight into Dewey’s character. Dewey was meant to appear earlier, attempting to talk Vince (Kyle Gallner) out of fighting Chad (Mason Gooding) in the bar scene. Drunk and struggling to remain upright, he is “pummelled” by Vince, with Chad struggling to pull him off of Dewey. It’s a brutal way to introduce a beloved character but effectively emphasizes the bleakness of his life in Scream 2022. His clash with Vince also temporarily makes him a suspect, subsequently questioned by Sheriff Judy Hicks (Marley Shelton), which provides a compelling contrast to their Scream 4 dynamic.
Dewey reacts callously to Vince’s murder, with a shocked Judy admonishing him, “You used to be a nice guy, Dewey.” Despite her frustration, she still thinks of him as her boss, pleading, "I could really use your help... Sheriff." Dewey remains unmoved, likely embarrassed by the painful reminder that his former deputy has taken his job. When news arrives of another Ghostface attack, Judy again looks to him for assistance. He offers only a half-hearted "good luck" as he leaves the police station, wanting no involvement. This exchange would have made Dewey's Scream 2022 death even better, the draft building more gradually to his decision to change his mind and help Sam. Whereas Judy once revered him, she now regards him with disappointment, extinguishing any glimmer of hope for Dewey. Unfortunately, he doesn't share any scenes with Judy before her death in Scream 2022. In comparison, the first draft deepened his character arc; Dewey undoubtedly would have felt guilt over Judy's murder, perhaps believing her fate could have been averted had he helped sooner.
Although Dewey initially wants no part in Sam's investigation, he has a very quick change of heart after Sidney (Neve Campbell) says, "I'm glad they have you to protect them." Scream 2022's original Dewey plan would have made his death even more impactful, with a strong evolution culminating in Dewey's return to his selfless nature. Clashing with Vince would have added another trademark injury for Dewey, who'd been stabbed nine times. His later confrontation with Judy would surely have influenced his sacrifice, urging him to avenge the death of yet another friend.
