Wes Craven Talks New 'Scream' Trilogy

Wes Craven Talks New 'Scream' Trilogy

Screenwriter Kevin Williamson returns to continue franchise

By BRYANT GRIFFIN
6-9-2009
Source: Digital Spy

With a new "Scream" trilogy in the works, director Wes Craven may return to the franchise if the right script comes his way.

According to Craven, screenwriter Kevin Williamson is planning three new films, not a reboot.

"Bob Weinstein (The Weinstein Company co-chairman) has talked to me, he's interested in me directing it," Craven said in an interview with Digital Spy. "I had a brief conversation with Kevin, I know that Kevin is writing. What I've said to Bob is I'm not closed to it, I'm not open to it, I'll be perfectly happy to read a script and tell him what I think. That's where it's at and I'm not expecting a script until August. I don't know what the premise is or anything."

A genuine concern haunting the premise of a new "Scream" film is the potential for the series to lose its edge.

"There are a host of dangers in making more films," Craven said. "We have a saying in the United States, 'Jump the shark'. You don't want to do that, you don't want to drive it into the ground. You're avoiding those kind of dangers, hopefully, making the kind of film that has self-awareness from the characters where they're talking about film. I'm sure you can run that into the ground very quickly. I don't have a clue what Kevin is writing. He might be completely going around me, I don’t know."

Another obstacle dulling the franchise's bite are the "Scary Movie" films, which Craven found amusing.

"I laughed but it was also annoying because somebody used my very shots and I didn't have any financial participation in it! It was less than a year after we'd finished 'Scream 3' that that came out. You just have to keep moving in Hollywood because somebody will be right on your heels making parodies of what you've just done."

As for casting, Craven indicated only two roles appear locked.

"I've been told, and I don't think they'll mind if I say this, the deals on David Arquette and Courteney are virtually set. I believe everybody else will be new."

About the Author: Bryant Griffin is the assistant news editor for Airlock Alpha and sister site Rabid Doll. He served as a journalist in the U.S. Army, as well as while a civilian. In 2002, he joined Quantum Global Media Inc., contributing to many early design concepts before shifting his focus back to writing. Bryant hails from Tampa, Fla.