Kevin Williamson, the writer who helped invent the Scream universe, says he does not plan to write or direct a potential Scream 8. He returned to the franchise to co-write and direct Scream 7, but for the next installment he expects to take a smaller role.
Why he is stepping back
In a recent interview with Hello Sidney, Williamson laughed off the idea of staying on as the franchise’s chief director. He said he wants to direct a different movie he already wrote and is also busy with several TV projects. He added that for the next Scream he’ll likely “step back and just be a part of the family again.”
What he said about future Scream films
- Open to other storytellers — Williamson said he has a few ideas for where the series could go, but he is curious to see what other filmmakers would do with the franchise.
- No green light yet — He said an eighth film has not been officially announced, though he is hopeful one will happen given the recent box office performance.
Where Scream 7 landed
Scream 7, which Williamson co-wrote with Guy Busick from a story by Busick and James Vanderbilt, hit theaters recently and has surpassed $150 million worldwide. The film reunites Neve Campbell’s Sidney with a dangerous new Ghostface, and also stars Isabel May and Anna Camp.
Reception
The movie has done well commercially. Critically, it has drawn mixed reaction. Frank Scheck called it “dead creatively, if certainly not commercially.” Williamson’s view is that the franchise can continue under different hands while he stays involved as part of the creative family rather than leading every new entry.
Bottom line: Williamson is not planning to take another directorial turn for Scream 8. He wants to pursue other projects and see what fresh voices might bring to the series.
