One of the more unexpected decisions on the film front this year is the one to name the upcoming fifth “Scream” film simply “Scream,” and not “Scream 5” to make it in line with the previous three sequels.
The title change was revealed with the recent poster and trailer for the film, raising the obvious question as to why the decision was made. The film is not a remake, nor is it a ‘ignore the prior’ sequels revival like 2018’s “Halloween”.
Speaking with US Magazine, original “Scream” writer and series producer Kevin Williamson has revealed that there is a strategy behind why they opted to ditch the number:
“Well, it was always Scream 5 because it’s the fifth one. So I think we just threw that name out, but I don’t think they ever seriously were going to call it a Scream 5. I don’t think anybody wanted to see the number five after something. You’d have to ask them – Paramount or whoever, but I think taking the 5 off and calling it Scream [works] because it’s brand new.
There’s the legacy cast, and how they infuse this new world and there’s this whole new generation and a new cast of characters that are extremely fun. I think it was a great cast. It’s an amazing group of kids and young talent and they’re very, very good. They pop off the screen, and now our Sidneys and our mature characters who enter into it, they’re the adults. It works really really well.”
While the three key cast members of the originals are returning, the title change could set the stage for sequels focusing on some of the new faces should it do well. “Scream” hits theatres on January 14th 2022.