Scream 5 directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet wrote Neve Campbell a letter pitching their idea for the next installment of the beloved slasher franchise. For some time now, the fate of Scream 5 has been up in the air following both the mixed response to 2011's Scream 4 and the passing of director Wes Craven. A reboot of the franchise was rumored last fall before Scream 5 was officially announced to be in development in March. Then, just last week, the news fans had been waiting for arrived: Scream 5 is a go, and one of the original stars, David Arquette (Dewey Riley), is back.
The news of Arquette's return was certainly welcome, but many are holding their breath waiting for the return of Campbell. Ever since the first Scream in 1996, Campbell has played final girl and main protagonist Sidney Prescott. As of right now, Campbell hasn't officially signed on for the film, though Arquette's return gave some fans hope that Scream 5 won't be as much of as a reboot as it initially seemed to be. Earlier this month, Campbell confirmed talks are still ongoing, and now she's offered up another update.
While talking to Collider, Campbell was asked about her initial reluctance to return to the franchise without Craven at the helm. She stressed she's still not completely on board with Scream 5, but that her opinion on the whole project was improved by a letter Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillet wrote. Campbell said:
CAMPBELL: Well, I’m not a hundred percent on it, but to be honest, the two directors (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett) have made some great work. I’ve watched their films, and they’re really talented. They wrote a letter to me, expressing what great fans of Wes’ work they are, and how honored they are that they’re getting the chance to make Scream 5 because the Scream franchise is the reason that they’re directors now. So, that was really sweet. They really wanna honor Wes’ style of work and honor the movies. That was a lovely thing to hear. So, we’ll see. Hopefully, we can all see eye to eye on everything and make something great, but it’s a process.
It's understandable that Campbell would be hesitant to return to the Scream franchise when one of its creators and most influential collaborators passed away years ago. However, it sounds like Campbell, along with presumably some fans, have been assured that Scream 5 is in good hands with Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillet, who proved their horror chops with Ready or Not last year. Additionally, original writer Kevin Williamson will be back to produce, though he won't pen the script. That honor will be passed off to James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick.
Campbell's comments will likely increase the hopes of those who want her to return for Scream 5. It sounds like talks are progressing promisingly, if somewhat slowly because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (per Campbell's previous update). Fans certainly want her to return, and Campbell is open to the idea. In the end, it's likely that whatever Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillet come up with (along wtih Vanderbilt and Busick) will be what brings her back, provided it's good enough. Only time will tell if that's the case.
Source: Collider