Strange Darling Star Wasn’t ‘Trying To Play Neve Campbell’ in Scream

by

Strange Darling Star Wasn't 'Trying To Play Neve Campbell' in Scream

I must confess, as a fervent fan of both horror and the transformative power of acting, I find myself utterly captivated by Willa Fitzgerald’s journey through her career. Her portrayal of Emma Duval in MTV’s Scream was not just an homage to Neve Campbell’s iconic Sidney Prescott, but a testament to Fitzgerald’s ability to breathe fresh life into a beloved franchise.

Making its debut on TV screens in 2015, MTV’s series Scream aimed to deliver the popular horror series right into homes every week. Spanning over three seasons, the core of the show was clearly Willa Fitzgerald, who skillfully played Emma Duval, the focus of Ghostface’s wrath in Seasons 1 and 2. It’s been eight years since Fitzgerald was part of this franchise, and she shares that her goal wasn’t to emulate Neve Campbell’s character, Sidney Prescott, but rather, to infuse something new into her role as Emma Duval.

On Collider Ladies Night, Fitzgerald discussed that the TV adaptation of Scream aimed to distinguish itself from the films, and this was evident in the revamped Ghostface mask design, sparking debate among fans. Some loved, while others disliked the series due to this alteration. In her opinion, the show’s creators demonstrated wisdom by striving for originality.

“I believe the decision to alter the mask and core elements of the series was indeed a bold move, but it might have been shrewd as well because it allowed the show to carve its unique identity rather than simply being a television adaptation of the movies, which are remarkable and so different in their own right. In essence, I feel they had a clear strategy in mind.”

In the central role for the first two seasons of Scream, Fitzgerald found herself in a tricky situation as she had to fill the gap created by the absence of the movies. Four years had passed since Scream 4 hit theaters when the TV series was released, and another seven years would pass before the 2022 version came out. Despite knowing the challenges ahead, she aimed to avoid the controversial online comments that compared her unfavorably to Neve Campbell, a comparison she strongly denies.

“At the time, I might not have fully grasped or appreciated it because I had watched similar films and didn’t want to imitate Neve Campbell. I also wanted to create my own unique interpretation. It was certainly controversial, I’m sure. I avoided any literature that could be seen as divisive.”

Willa Fitzgerald Shines in Strange Darling

After wrapping up her role in the Scream franchise in 2016, Fitzgerald expanded her acting portfolio, waiting for another opportunity that would bring her back into the limelight. Although she had been featured in various films and TV shows, it was only with Reacher in 2022, where she played Roscoe Conklin in the Prime Video series alongside Alan Ritchson, that she regained prominence among fans. Her impressive performance earned her favor with viewers, and now she’s seizing another chance to captivate audiences in the newly released thriller Strange Darling.

In this role, Fitzgerald appears to be perfectly suited. Starring as the protagonist in JT Mollner’s interpretation of the serial killer subgenre, every gesture, every facial expression, and each bloody scene is meticulously chosen, adding depth to the unfolding story in a startling manner. This gripping portrayal places the 33-year-old actress at the heart of it all, delivering an exceptional performance that truly stands out.

Regardless of the mixed responses to the film Scream, it’s clear that Fitzgerald made a wise decision by not attempting to mimic Neve Campbell, as the subsequent years saw her evolve into one of Hollywood’s most adaptable actresses. The trajectory seems promising, as she is now set to share the screen with Sylvester Stallone in the crime-thriller Alarum, which is currently being edited for release.

Read More

2024-08-28 18:33