“Those big swings were definitely present in the script,” says Villella.
They’re really consequential.
We loved the risks that it took and wanted to ensure that we protected those at all costs."
Scream 2022.BROWNIE HARRIS/ Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: The newScreamhas been gettinggreat reactions.
That must feel pretty good.
TYLER GILLETT:Yeah, I think it’s more than we ever expected.
Ghostface in ‘Scream’ (2022).BROWNIE HARRIS/ Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group
Your 2019 movieReady or Notwas a success, but what was the process of auditioning for theScreamgig?
CHAD VILLELLA:Well, it’s funny you bring upReady or NotbecauseReady or Notkind ofwasour audition.
What was it like reading the script?
Scream (2022) filmmakers.BROWNIE HARRIS/ Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group
And how similar was that screenplay to what people will see in cinemas?
It read like you were seeing the movie in the most realistic way.
What people will see is pretty much what was on the page then.
They really wrote a great script.
The movie goes deep in the weeds with the horror genre.
I thought I was having a stroke when some characters started discussing “elevated horror.”
It was like someone had scooped out my brain and put it on a screen.
GILLETT:That’s how we felt reading it.
There were moments when we were literally cheering when we reading the script.
TheScreamseries has been very well curated over the years compared to some other franchises.
Was that an advantage or did it make your mission more daunting?
Just very, very unbelievable.
Neve was invaluable in the pre-production process, kind of keeping it within the guard rails of whatScreamis.
She had a lot of great thoughts that all got worked into the script.
The newScreamisdedicated to Wes.
Could you talk about how you pay homage to him in the film?
At the end of the day, the entire thing is ultimately a love letter to Wes from us.
He’s one of the greatest directors, period, of his generation.
Would you gentlemen be up for making anotherScreamfilm?
VILLELLA:I mean, we loveScream.
This is why we’re filmmakers, we love being a part of this franchise.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
Watch the trailer for the newScreamfilm below.
