How I Would Reboot Scream
This project originated in 2017 as a writing exercise.
Original article and script below:
When the news dropped that MTV was planning to wipe the slate clean and reboot their TV series version of Scream, my mind started racing. Scream is my favorite horror film of all time, so I got to work immediately.
Here is how I would reboot Scream!
SPOILERS for the first 4 movies! KIND OF!
I've written a short six-page opening for my reboot as well as a one-page overview explaining my thought process and how the series would progress. I'll explain a bit more below, but first things first, check out my work:
I was just ten years old when Scream came out, and it very quickly became my obsession. I had seen plenty of horror movies before, but Scream was something different: it was an education. While the plentiful horror references likely played as fun nods and jokes for older viewers, to me it was a lesson plan. A data dump. At one point I made a list of every movie referenced, and made it my goal to watch all of them.
I know the franchise is polarizing, with some saying it's too goofy, or that the sequels aren't as good, but for me the series was first and foremost a story about a person overcoming adversity. Sidney Prescott was my Ellen Ripley. She was my Sarah Connor. As the series emphasized comedy more and more, I watched to see how Sidney was holding up just as much as I watched for the fun.
I say all of this to establish my love for the franchise, and the reasons why I think it's finally time to let Sidney rest.
Obviously the biggest issue with bringing back the original continuity is answering the question "why aren't Sidney, Dewey, and Gail here?" I think the answer is quite natural.
My reboot takes place back in the original continuity, as I feel that the four original films provide a strong sense of history that makes serialized storytelling a joy. After the events of Scream 4, Sidney went back to her quiet life. She's a writer, she's happy.
Though we never see them, Gail and Dewey have moved back to LA. Since Scream 4, Gail Weathers has experienced a resurgence in popularity. She's written another book about "The Woodsboro Massacre Reboot," and is now an executive producer at the true-crime network The Murder Channel. Seeing the success of Making a Murderer and OJ: Made in America, Gail has given a greenlight to "From a Whisper to a Scream: The True Story Behind STAB," a documentary filming in Woodsboro.
Woodsboro itself has changed. With the success of the Stab series and the true-crime craze, the town is perpetually bombarded by tourists. The feelings in town are mixed. Most hate the reputation the town has, but plenty love the attention.
I've been writing seriously for about half my life, and I'd be lying if I said I never thought about writing for Scream before. From 2000 to 2011 I thought the series was finished. The concept of a reboot wasn't popular at the time, so it never occurred to me that the franchise had a future. After Scream 4's unfortunate reception, it seemed again like it was over. I feel like now is the time.
The true-crime subgenre of horror is a potential game-changer for the Scream franchise.
I know it's nearly impossible, but I feel like I've found the perfect way to bring Scream back. I have something to say, and I hope that you enjoy what I've written. If so, I need your help: please share my script anywhere you can. Tweet at MTV, write a blog post, share it on Facebook: if there's even a shadow of a chance that MTV will look my way and consider me for their reboot of Scream, I have to do everything I can to make it happen.
What do you think of my ideas for Scream? Do I sound nuts? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or talk to me on Twitter: @TheMythTraveler. Hey, even email me: Will@TheMythTraveler.com!