A new spot for the Scream relaunch gives Ghostface a brand new mask.
The new footage for Scream sees Dewey Riley (David Arquette) calling Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) to inform him about the new series of Ghostface attacks. In the process, the trailer shows Ghostface wearing a metal mask while using a flamethrower. This is the first time this particular mask has been seen in the series.
Directed by Wes Craven, the original Scream released in 1996 and became a box office sensation, earning the title of highest-grossing slasher. Sequels followed in 1997, 2000 and 2011. While all four films were financially successful, Scream 4 was the lowest-grossing entry in the series. The movie was also the last to be directed by Craven, who passed away in 2015.
A relaunch of the franchise, Scream takes place 25 years after the original murders in Woodsboro and stars both classic actors from the franchise and several newcomers, including Melissa Barrera as Sam Carpenter, Jenna Ortega as Tara Carpenter and Jack Quaid as Richie Kirsch. The identity of the new Ghostface killer is one of the mysteries at the heart of Scream. Posters for the film have teased the possibility of one of the original characters becoming the new Ghostface, while trailers have dropped subtle hints.
However, those involved in the production have said the promotional materials for Scream are filled with misdirection. "There are misdirects within the movie. There are misdirects within the trailer," Bettinelli-Olpin revealed. "For us, that's just the fun of the whole thing to make this a big whodunnit." Gillett added, "As deep, deep fans of the original four [films], we took pains to populate the world of this movie, and certainly the materials with as many fun nods and Easter eggs and misdirects as possible."
The original Scream actually featured two people behind the mask: Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard), the latter of whom has been the subject of numerous fan theories. In Scream 2, Billy's mother, Mrs. Loomis (Laurie Metcalf), hired Sidney's friend Mickey Altieri (Timothy Olyphant) to become the new killer. Then, in Scream 3, Sidney's half-brother Roman Bridger (Scott Foley) becomes the killer. Finally, in Scream 4, Jill Roberts (Emma Roberts) and Charlie Walker (Rory Culkin) serve as the killers.
Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett from a script by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, Scream is set for release on Jan. 14.