Scream Nearly Died: Drew Barrymore’s Opening Scene Almost Killed the Film

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When “Scream” first appeared in 1996, its opening scene, starring Drew Barrymore as Casey Becker, created a stir among viewers. This scene distinctively marked the movie from other horror films of its era, catapulting it to be recognized among the greatest horror movies ever made. Interestingly, according to original “Scream” cast member Skeet Ulrich, this spine-tingling sequence nearly halted production before the film could even take off properly.

During a conversation at MegaCon 2025 (as reported by People), the legacy star of “The Scream” franchise disclosed an interesting behind-the-scenes tale. Apparently, after Wes Craven and his team filmed Neve Campbell’s chilling initial scene, executives from Miramax were alarmed and considered abandoning the entire project altogether. Ulrich shared this anecdote:

It seems you might not be aware, but initially, we filmed a scene featuring Drew Barrymore at the start of the movie. Once they completed that specific scene, Miramax decided to halt production altogether. They essentially expressed that they no longer wished to make this film, as they were uncertain about its purpose.

To put it simply, for those not acquainted, the movie “Scream” starts with a character played by Barrymore receiving a chilling phone call that takes a dark turn right away. This initial scene, resembling a short horror film within the larger narrative, surprises viewers by killing off what appears to be the main actress in just the first 15 minutes, defying expectations.

Initially, some Miramax executives were reportedly puzzled by the tone and structure of the movie, nearly leading to the cancellation of “Scream” in the future. However, today it’s widely recognized as one of the most chilling horror openings ever made.

As per the Billy actor, swift decision-making by Craven and two movie producers was essential to persuade the studio to carry on with the project. The individual concealed beneath one of the Ghost Face mask added:

Wes Craven, along with two producers, worked on assembling the initial segment of the movie. They expedited it from Napa Valley, California, to New York City specifically for Bob and Harvey Weinster (the Miramax founders) to review it. Upon their inspection, they responded with a nod of understanding, saying, “Alright, now we understand. Carry on.

What’s Next For Scream?

In the course of discussion, the actor from The Craft disclosed that just two weeks into shooting, doubts arose about the project. This left the entire cast, most of whom were not well-known then, unsure if their film would ever be released for public viewing.

Initially facing resistance from the production company, Scream eventually transformed into a groundbreaking success within the horror genre. It resurrected the slasher film, cementing itself as one of the top ’90s horror films and spawning a highly successful franchise that continues to thrive even today, nearing its 30th anniversary. The unique mix of witty humor, heart-stopping suspense, and grisly violence became Scream’s signature style, leading to six sequels with the upcoming Scream 7.

Reflecting on it now, Ulrich acknowledged that neither he nor the other actors realized they were creating a piece of work that would continue to strike a chord with generations to come. Moreover, he stated:

Originally, we were a group of youngsters aspiring for a larger impact within the industry. However, unbeknownst to many, we were essentially a team of actors who dared to venture into a movie project that major studios like Hollywood weren’t keen on backing.

Today, roughly three decades on, the horror franchise “Scream” remains incredibly vibrant, as fresh chapters continue to uphold the Ghostface mythos.

It’s fascinating to ponder – if things had gone differently, the whole situation might have been over before a single knife was brandished. Little did they realize the value of what they possessed; thankfully, they didn’t intervene prematurely and thus, unwittingly, added another chilling chapter to horror movie lore.

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2025-02-09 01:39