In an effort to avoid spoiler leaks, there are multiple versions of Scream 5. Officially titled Scream, with a release date set for January 2022, the fifth installment in the franchise started by Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson will be directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. The duo, who previously helmed 2019’s horror-comedy Ready or Not, have assembled a cast of familiar faces and newcomers for the long-awaited follow-up to Scream 4.

Neve Campbell, David Arquette, and Courteney Cox will be back as Sidney, Dewey, and Gale, respectively. Marley Shelton, who played Judy Hicks in Scream 4, will also reprise her role. They’ll be joined by Jack Quaid, Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, and Dylan Minnette, among others, who are all making their debut in the franchise. While it’s known that the story will follow a woman returning to her hometown and dealing with horrific murders, little else has been revealed. The creative team behind Scream 5 has taken extra measures, it turns out, to keep it that way.

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According to Bloody Disgusting, which received confirmation from the filmmakers of Scream 5, there are multiple versions of the much-anticipated sequel. These versions were written as a screenplay, as previously reported, but also filmed as part of the movie to avoid the possibility that the plot would be spoiled through leaks. While these precautionary measures are familiar to fans of superhero blockbusters, leaks have famously been linked to the Scream franchise as well.

Sidney, Gale, and Dewey in Scream 4

A draft of Scream 2 leaked online in 1998, leading to major rewrites, and contention amongst fans over which version was better. In the draft, it was to be revealed that Sidney was actually being targeted by her college friends, in addition to other villains. This was changed in the final version of Scream 2, which featured a smaller number of antagonists. The identity of Ghostface would become a much more guarded secret. And, overall, the leak had significantly impacted production as pages of the new script were sometimes completed on the day of filming. It’s understandable that similar mistakes would want to be avoided for the latest installment of Scream, particularly since reshoots would have an added layer of difficulty with the ongoing pandemic.

The secrecy ultimately speaks to another way that Scream differentiates itself from a wide array of horror titles. Beyond the meta elements and its humor, the movies have cultivated a trio of characters that fans genuinely care about. In contrast to other entries in the slasher subgenre, where characters can be incidental to a film’s success, Sidney, Gale, and Dewey are key to what has made the franchise endure for decades. Many are eager to learn details about their next encounter with Ghostface, given that emotional investment. But, at least for now, specifics won’t be divulged.

More: Scream 5's Best Way To Honor Wes Craven Is To Kill Everyone

Source: Bloody Disgusting

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