Huge News Just Dropped For Scream 5

The original Scream-writer Kevin Williamson announced on Twitter today that the fifth installment of the series, simply entitled Scream, has finished filming. It's the fifth in the meta-horror franchise known for its satirical comedy and slasher-style "whodunit" mystery stories that started with 1996's Scream, which was, disturbingly, based on a true story.

Scream is set to release in January 2022, and will have several members of the original cast returning as familiar characters, including Sidney (Neve Campbell), Gale (Courteney Cox), Dewey (David Arquette), and Deputy Hicks (Marley Shelton). But we already know of several differences that make this upcoming film stand out from its four predecessors. It won't be directed by the late Wes Craven (for obvious reasons), who directed all four of the others and was also known for A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Instead, Scream is directed by the duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for 2019's comedy-thriller Ready or Not. But, according to Williamson, they're taking it in a different direction than the franchise is known for.

The original Scream is famous for popularizing its satirical, meta-style of horror. And even though it had its own dumb moments, they were easy to ignore. The film earned itself several sequels, which all got the chance to make fun of other horror franchises.

However, according to Screen Rant, Williamson announced a few days ago at a Scream reunion fundraiser that this film will not be done in the same meta-style. "What I love about the new Scream is that it does take a fresh approach," he said. "It's this beautiful sort of fresh new movie, but it also has this nostalgic factor that runs through it. That to me was a perfect blend of how to do the next Scream." He didn't write the screenplay, but he's on board as executive producer.

In the announcement Tweet, Williamson said, "I'm excited for you to return to Woodsboro and get really scared again. I believe Wes would've been so proud of the film that Matt and Tyler are making. I'm thrilled to be reunited with Neve, Courteney, David and Marley, and to be working alongside a new filmmaking team and incredible cast of newcomers that have come together to continue Wes's legacy with the upcoming relaunch of the franchise that I hold so dear to my heart."

It remains to be seen just what this "fresh approach" will be, but it seems to have a lot of love for the original infused into it.