At long last, Scream 4. Despite pretty positive reviews, Scream 4 failed to make a dent at the box office, and plans for a possible Craven-directed Scream 5 were put on ice. Sadly, brain cancer would claim Craven's life in 2015, taking one of horror's all time greats from the world.
Outside of the Scream TV series - which bore little resemblance to the films - the franchise has been back in hibernation in the years since Craven's ing. That was until a report last November that Spyglass Media Group was setting out to bring audiences a new Scream film. Information beyond that fact was scarce, and in the months since the report, it's been radio silence concerning the potential follow-up to one of horror's most famous slasher properties.
The silence concerning Scream 5 has been broken today, thanks to a new report by Discussing Film that's being backed up by another report from The Wrap. Finally, Scream 5 truly appears to be in motion.
Scream 5 Officially In Development From Ready or Not Directors
According to the almost simultaneously released reports, Scream 5 is officially in development, and is being put on the fast track, as filming is likely to begin in May 2020. Onboard to direct Scream 5 is the duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, directors of 2019's critical and commercial hit Ready or Not, with their frequent collaborator - the trio make up a filmmaking collective dubbed Radio Silence - Chad Villella executive producing. Also serving as an executive producer will be original Scream writer Kevin Williamson.
While many Scream fans are likely delighted by the news that Scream 5 is finally moving forward, what still remains entirely unclear is the form it will take. Discussing Film's report says the story will follow "a woman returning to her home town to try to find out who has been committing a series of vicious crimes," but whether that woman is Sidney Prescott and her hometown happens to be Woodsboro remains to be seen.
In other words, it's unknown if this will actually be a proper Scream 5, complete with returning cast and settings, or a full reboot of the franchise's continuity. A writer for Scream 5 has yet to confirmed, although it doesn't appear Williamson will be filling that role himself. Still, having him on the team will likely prove an invaluable resource to whatever writer does get the prestigious gig. The idea of doing a Scream movie without Wes Craven's guiding hand still feels quite strange, but if it has to happen, Olpin and Gillett are an inspired pick for the director's chair.
Sources: Discussing Film, The Wrap
