Scream 7 Set to Break Franchise Rules: A New Era Looms

Breaking from Tradition: Scream 7 Should Venture into New Territory Without Emphasizing Meta-Horror.

With uncertainty surrounding Scream 7’s director and cast, the slasher franchise finds itself at a crossroads, ripe for reinvention. Unlike typical horror series where the original film often shines brightest, Scream breaks the mold. Each installment stands alone while maintaining ties to final girl Sidney Prescott’s (Neve Campbell) compelling narrative, drawing audiences back with each new release.

While Scream is renowned for its meta-horror elements and characters often nod to the genre, there’s a compelling case for Scream 7 to deviate from this path. Whether it continues Sidney’s battle against Ghostface or introduces a fresh cast, meta jokes and references may not be necessary for the franchise’s evolution.

Scream 7 Should Throw Away the Series Meta Aspect

In Scream (2022), memorable meta quotes like Richie Kirsch’s comparison of Ghostface killings to Michael Myers’s rampage in Halloween added depth to the narrative. However, Scream 6 lacked such standout moments, if any. Consequently, Scream 7 should consider abandoning this aspect of the franchise altogether. Several factors support this decision.

Firstly, the seventh instalment of horror franchises often falls short or disappoints, leaving little material to draw upon. Furthermore, Scream has already mined the slasher movie trope extensively, and audiences crave fresh and innovative storytelling. As such, it may be time for the franchise to explore new avenues rather than rely on familiar meta-horror elements.

With the directorial seat for Scream 7 still vacant and the cast yet to be officially announced, now is the ideal moment for the Scream franchise to chart a new course. Having explored sequels, trilogies, reboots, and franchises, the series stands at a crossroads, poised for a fresh direction. While Scream has delivered memorable moments, such as Sidney’s confrontation with her cousin Jill Roberts in the formidable Scream 4, it’s time for the franchise to forge ahead into uncharted territory.

“You forgot the first rule of remakes, Jill. Don’t f*ck with the original!”

This quote not only underscores Sidney’s enduring resilience and bravery in the face of daunting challenges, but it also cleverly alludes to the film’s status as a reboot. Scream has consistently distinguished itself as a sharp and self-aware slasher franchise, with the cast and crew fully cognizant of the lingering skepticism surrounding the necessity of a fourth installment. Now, however, audiences are eager to see where Ghostface’s story leads next, rendering any jokes about the potential quality of a seventh movie unnecessary.

While fans harbour their own expectations for Scream 7, there are myriad ways to pay homage to the franchise’s rich legacy without resorting to the meta-horror trope yet again. For instance, in Scream 2, Randy Meeks playfully remarks on the nature of sequels, a moment that has become iconic within the series.

“The way I see it, someone’s out to make a sequel. You know, cash in on all the movie murder hoopla. So, it’s our job to observe the rules of the sequel. Number one: the body count is always bigger. Number two: the death scenes are always much more elaborate. Carnage candy. And number three: never, ever, under any circumstances, assume the killer is dead.”

Scream 6 Struggled To Make Its Meta Stakes Work

In contrast to its predecessors, Scream 6 struggled to integrate horror references or meta quotes as organically and effectively. The absence of memorable and witty jokes or clever remarks about the sixth instalment in a franchise led to characters making random statements that failed to leave a lasting impact.

In Scream 6, Mindy Meeks-Martin (portrayed by Jasmin Savoy Brown) emerges as the primary source of meta quotes. However, at the conclusion of the film, she delivers a line that is sure to leave an impression:

“Not every movie needs a post credits scene.”

“I got it wrong again. F*ck this franchise!”

While Mindy Meeks-Martin may deliver several meta quotes throughout Scream 6, they may not reach the same level of wit or wisdom as Randy’s iconic speech in the original Scream regarding the rules of surviving a horror movie. Randy famously advises against being intimate, using substances, or stating intentions to return to a room. He elaborates:

“Number three: never, ever, ever under any circumstances say, “I’ll be right back.” Because you won’t be back… See, you push the laws and you end up dead. Okay, I’ll see you in the kitchen with a knife.”

Kevin Williamson expressed regret over Randy’s death in Scream 2, and bidding farewell to this beloved character was undoubtedly a somber moment for fans. Randy’s profound impact on the franchise stems from his role as a film buff with an encyclopaedic knowledge of the horror genre, making him the ideal candidate to elucidate the typical tropes and survival strategies within horror movies. While Scream 6 endeavoured to carry on Randy’s legacy through his niece Mindy, it ultimately fell short of capturing the same essence and depth.

Scream 7 Can Be A Reinvention

Scream 7 must embark on a path of reinvention, introducing fresh elements to revitalize the franchise. Whether by ushering in a new final girl inspired by Sidney’s legacy or delving into a substantial storyline for Hayden Panettiere’s character, Kirby Reed, the film should eschew the meta aspect and usher in a new era for the series. This approach not only opens up new avenues for storytelling but also lays the groundwork for the franchise’s continued expansion beyond the seventh installment.

While Scream aficionados are well-versed in Randy Meeks’s horror movie rules, the concept of the final girl, and the motivations behind each Ghostface killer, there’s ample room for Scream 7 to embrace a more straightforward horror movie narrative. With its trademark blend of intelligence, humour, and memorability, the film is poised to deliver another exhilarating instalment in the beloved franchise.