What's Scream without Ghostface, the iconic mask worn by killers in all four movies? The producers behind MTV's upcoming adaptation think they can make a series work without the franchise villain's signature look.

R.J. Torbert, who created Ghostface -- it predates the Scream films -- tells the fan site GhostFace.co.uk that the Weinstein Company-produced series won't feature the mask, at least not initially.

"Please note, that I had been in communication with TWC regarding this and they have informed me, that as of now, and during the initial launch that GhostFace is not involved in the new format," he said. "They also indicated that because of this direction, it does not mean that GhostFace will not be involved at a later date. So, there is still a question, to the question. However, as of now, there is no involvement."

He added that the decision didn't come from his company Fun World, which owns the rights to the mask.

Between the lack of Ghostface and Harvey Weinstein's claims that the series will go in "a new direction with supernatural elements,” some may wonder why MTV bothered to play  for the Scream name in the first place. TheWrap noted that MTV did not respond to a request for a comment.

Up to this point, all things Scream have revolved around human characters putting on the now-iconic mask and murdering people. It's a formula established by Kevin Williamson and Wes Craven in the 1996 original that carried through the three sequels.

The MTV series, which kicks off after a viral video leads to murder, stars Bex Taylor-Klauss (Arrow), Willa Fitzgerald (Alpha House), John Karna (Bindlestiffs) and Carlson Young (Key and Peele). Jamie Travis (For a Good Time, Call...) directed the pilot, which will air in February.