More than a decade has passed since the last time a new Scream film was released – but after a rather rocky development process, the fifth entry in the meta slasher franchise finally arrives in cinemas this month.
The film – which has been titled, simply, Scream – was first confirmed not long after the release of Scream 4 in 2011, but various delays meant the film took rather a long time to enter production, before being delayed once again by the pandemic.
But now that the film’s release is imminent, Paramount Pictures have been steadily teasing us with a range of posters and trailers, including a couple of recent featurettes.
The newest addition is a featurette titled Return To Woodsboro which sees long-time stars Courtney Cox, David Arquette and Neve Campbell talk about returning to the franchise, which they have been part of since the very first film in 1996.
The new film is the first in the series not to be directed by horror legend Wes Craven, who sadly passed away in 2015, with Ready or Not duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett taking the reins.
And David Arquette last year told RadioTimes.com that he reckons the new directors did an excellent job – but said that Craven was “close in our hearts” during filming.
“We really missed Wes Craven not being there since he passed, but he was close in our hearts while we filmed it and I think it’s going to be really great,” he said, before adding that Craven was a hero of Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett.
Read on for everything you need to know about the new film.
Scream 5 first reactions
Early reviews of the new Scream movie have landed – and they’re overwhelmingly positive.
“The new Scream is a BLAST and my favourite since the original. There’s some sharp writing here – a nice balance of well-crafted scares and amusing commentary on modern horror. It also pokes a lot of fun at itself, too, while remaining a bloody whodunnit and a damn good time. I’m a fan!” tweeted Fandango’s Erik Davis.
Bloody Disgusting critic Meagan Navarro was also left raving about the movie and shared on Twitter: “What a welcome return to Woodsboro Scream is! A razor sharp, bloody introspection on the genre and Wes Craven’s legacy. All the feels and one hell of a genre start to 2022. My horror heart is so full.”
In addition, Collider editor-in-chief Steven Weintraub labelled the new Scream as “the real deal”.
“The new Scream is the real deal, he tweeted. “Such a well written script that keeps you guessing and wades into the treacherous waters of fandom in 2022. Scream fans are going to love it.”
The new #Scream is the real deal. Such a well written script that keeps you guessing and wades into the treacherous waters of fandom in 2022. ‘Scream’ fans are going to love it. pic.twitter.com/caf2SqG0so
— Steven Weintraub (@colliderfrosty) January 7, 2022
When is Scream 5’s release date?
As revealed in a tweet sent out by Scream’s official Twitter account in August 2021, the fifth instalment of Scream is set to come out in cinemas on 14th January 2022.
The release date delay announcement was accompanied by a ghoulish moving poster (below) featuring the spectral Ghostface mask, which a different killer dons in each of the Scream movies.
On January 14, 2022… We’re going to hear you SCREAM. ???? pic.twitter.com/X83ENIj3Hm
— Scream (@ScreamMovies) August 29, 2020
No specific reason was given for the release date delay, but if we had to make a guess, it’s likely to have something to do with the coronavirus pandemic.
This marks a significant delay given that Scream was originally set to be released some time in 2021.
That means the movie will appear more than 26 years after the first movie in the franchise was released in cinemas. Better late than never, eh?
Scream 5 cast
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David Arquette is set to reprise his role as Dewey Riley, who appeared in all four prior Scream movies.
“I am thrilled to be playing Dewey again and to reunite with my Scream family, old and new,” he said (via THR) after the announcement was made. “Scream has been such a big part of my life, and for both the fans and myself.”
Friends star Courteney Cox is also set to return to the franchise (sadly not with THAT fringe again).
Cox and Arquette met on the very first Scream in 1996. The pair soon coupled up, and married in 1999. Despite separating in 2010, Arquette says the pair are still on good terms, co-parenting their daughter Coco.
“We’re in touch quite a bit. It’s great,” he told ET Online. “But we always love working together. She’s an incredible actress, so it’ll be fun to bring these characters back to life and see where they’re at. Co-starring’s the easy part.”
Neve Campbell, who played Sidney Prescott in the first four Scream films has also officially signed on the movie, meaning the three main cast members from the original film are reunited.
It’s also been confirmed Ghostface, the masked villain of the series will return to the series, once again played by Roger L Jackson.
New faces joining the cast include Mexican actress Melissa Barrera (Vida), The Boys star Jack Quaid, and Jenna Ortega, who has previously appeared in Jane the Virgin and You.
Booksmart’s Mason Gooding and 13 Reasons Why’s Dylan Minnette also both joined the cast in new roles.
Scream 5 plot
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Previous Scream films have followed high school student (then author) Sidney Prescott as she’s attacked by several knife-wielding serial killers wearing a ‘Ghostface’ mask.
In each film, Prescott is joined by friends Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox).
It’s not yet been confirmed how the new Scream will continue from Scream 4, which finished with Prescott fighting off another horde of killers.
Scream 5 trailer
An official trailer was released for Scream in October 2021 – and it’s sure to send a shiver down your spine. Watch below:
Meanwhile, a number of featurettes have been released giving a behind the scenes look at the new film, one of which focused on new cast members Melissa Barrera, Jack Quaid, Dylan Minette and Jasmin Savoy Brown.
And another new featurette released just a week before the new film explored the returning legacy stars Courtney Cox, David Arquette, and Neve Campbell. Take a look below:
Scream movies order
All Scream movies are available to rent and buy on Amazon Prime Video UK. The four instalments so far are (inventively) titled:
You can also buy the first Scream movie on DVD from Amazon.
Scream 2 is available on DVD from Amazon here.
Scream 3 is available to purchase on DVD from Amazon as well.
Click here to order Scream 4 on DVD from Amazon. Scream 4 is also available to watch on Netflix.
Scream will be released on 14th January 2022. If you’re looking for TV to watch, check out our TV Guide.