Several legacy characters will appear in Scream 5 and there remains the possibility for the return of Skeet Ulrich’s Billy Loomis – here’s how this might happen. With the passing of Wes Craven in 2015, the new installment in the meta-horror series is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The film shares continuity with the previous movies but will also be considered a relaunch of the series, with numerous new performers joining the Scream regulars.
Released in 1996, the original Scream is a landmark achievement in the horror genre, highly regarded for its self-aware script and memorable ensemble. The film stars Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, who is hunted by a Halloween costume-wearing serial killer known as Ghostface. Suspicion quickly points to Sidney’s boyfriend, Billy Loomis, who is eventually revealed as one of Scream's two murderers. Although Billy most definitely died at the end of the film, there are still ways to utilize the character in Scream 5.
With the original trio of Sidney, Dewey Riley (David Arquette), and Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) all at the mercy of a new Ghostface killer, Scream 5 could be setting up a grand finale for the beloved heroes. Set photos have teased a return to the house of Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard), Billy's accomplice. If Sidney is to revisit the site of her first climactic standoff, her merciless ex-boyfriend may make an appearance. The return of Billy was potentially teased by members of the production, either as a cameo or minor role in which he could haunt Sidney via flashbacks.
Skeet Ulrich's Billy was shot in the head by Sidney in the original Scream, so there's no possible way he is alive. However, there are other ways in which to incorporate the character. It’s doubtful anybody would have expected Scream 5 to bring back Billy, if not for an accidental tease on social media in the form of Marley Shelton. Shelton is returning as Judy Hicks, a Woodsboro police deputy from 2011's Scream 4. According to Hello Sidney, back in September 2020, she took to Instagram to delightedly announce her involvement, tagging Skeet Ulrich among the rest of the cast. This was promptly deleted and reposted without his name, but the very same mistake was made by production designer Chad Keith. While far from confirmation, it’s extremely convenient for them both to unwittingly tag the actor. If Ulrich is back, it’s likely just a cameo, perhaps via flashback as Sidney explores Stu Macher's house, emphasizing her character's evolution.
Recycled footage from the original Scream could be used, particularly from the bloody showdown between Sidney and her attackers. However, tagging Ulrich on social media implies his involvement during filming. He could easily appear in a brand-new flashback, perhaps illustrating the happier side of his relationship with Sidney before his murder spree. Conversely, Billy may return in a nightmare. Scream 3 is the weakest of the series but did feature a creepy dream in which a traumatized Sidney is visited by the ghost of her mother. Scream 5 may take a similar approach, with Billy either haunting her dreams or being hallucinated by Sidney to demonstrate her struggling mental state. This could easily be accomplished through digital de-aging technology, allowing Ulrich to perform the role himself, and would underscore his influence over the entire series. Confronting the memory of Billy could finally destroy his evil legacy.
Billy Loomis’ return could show how Sidney has yet to fully overcome his terror while providing an exciting, albeit probably brief, performance by Ulrich. Of course, the plot of Scream 5 remains a mystery, with multiple scripts and alternate scenes filmed for secrecy. There promises to be plenty of surprises in store and Billy's specter could provide a fitting end to Sidney’s story.
