20 interesting things you probably didn't know about the 'Scream' movies

Andrew LaSane,Eammon JacobsOct 31, 2024, 23:15 IST

Drew Barrymore starred in "Scream."Dimension Films

"Scream" (1996) is a horror classic and the latest one was released in 2023.
Facts you might not know include Selma Blair not receiving credit for "Scream 2."

The "Scream" franchise includes some of the most famous modern slasher movies, but the first film, released in 1996, surprised audiences by deconstructing stereotypical horror tropes.

"Scream" follows high schooler Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) and her friends as they're stalked by a masked killer, Ghostface, one year after the murder of Sidney's mother. The gang tries to outsmart the murderer before Ghostface's identity is revealed at the end.

The film also stars Drew Barrymore, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard, and Skeet Ulrich, propelling their careers in Hollywood. Many of the cast also returned for several sequels, including 2023's "Scream VI."

Here are fun facts might not know about the "Scream" movies.

The film's title was inspired by a Michael Jackson song.

Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson at the 1993 Grammy Awards.Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images

"Scream" was born as a one-act play.

The masked killer in "Scream."Dimension Films

"Scream" was a low-budget movie.

Wes Craven at the premiere"Scream" in 1996.Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection/Getty Images

Craven turned the project down more than once.

Director Wes Craven is known for his work in the horror genre.Frederick M. Brown/Getty

Drew Barrymore was supposed to play Sidney, but she chose Casey.

Drew Barrymore originally agreed to play the lead.Woods Entertainment / Dimension

Barrymore accidentally called the police while filming.

Courteney Cox, Drew Barrymore, and Wes Craven in 1996.Kevin Mazur/WireImage/Getty Images

Craven used Barrymore's love of animals to get her to cry.

Wes Craven knew Drew Barrymore loved animals.Dimension Films

Courteney Cox had to convince Craven to let her be in the film.

Parker Posey, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette in "Scream 3."Joseph Viles/Dimension Films/Getty

Speaking of animals, the voice on the other end of the phone is shared by an angry cartoon chimp.

You might be surprised to learn about the caller's connection to "The Powerpuff Girls."Dimension Films

To help the performances, Craven wouldn't let the cast meet the voice.

Wes Craven accepts the Mastermind Award during the 2008 Scream Awards.Chris Pizzello/AP

The mask was found during a location scout.

Ghostface has one of the most recognizable masks.Dimension Films

The "Friday the 13th" (1980) trivia question once earned Williamson free alcohol.

Writer Kevin Williamson in 2014.Brian Gove/WireImage

Sidney's address pays homage to Craven's filmography.

The house from "A Nightmare on Elm Street."New Line Cinema

There are other Craven references throughout the franchise.

There are several references to "A Nightmare on Elm Street."New Line Cinema

Selma Blair is uncredited in "Scream 2."

Selma Blair at the premiere of "Scream 3" in Los Angeles.Frank Trapper/Getty

The color palette of "Scream" was inspired by a famous painting.

Edward Munch's painting inspired the costume designer.Art Media/The Print Collector/Getty Images

Campbell was only on set for 20 days during "Scream 3" (2000).

Neve Campbell in "Scream 4."Dimension Films

Williamson did not write "Scream 3."

Parker Posey, Courteney Cox Arquette, and David Arquette in "Scream 3."Joseph Viles/Dimension Films/Getty

Lake Bell was supposed to star as Deputy Judy Hicks in "Scream 4."

Lake Bell had conflicts in her schedule.Ron Batzdorff/ABC/Getty Images

"Scream 4" was meant to be the start of a new trilogy.

Emma Roberts in "Scream 4."Dimension Films

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