SCREAM 4 Still A Long Way Off
Despite the recent press release suggesting otherwise, The Weinstein Company merely is reading script submissions for a possible Scream 4 while trying to get series star Neve Campbell to re-up.
Close on the heels of the press release revealing that Dimension Films has slated Scream 4, a source told Moviehole's CLINT MORRIS last week that there's still a huge obstacle blocking the studio, Bob & Harvey Weinstein and writer Kevin Williamson from starting production on the follow-up to Wes Craven's classic slasher trilogy.
"Basically all want to do a 4th film but Neve [Campbell] herself is the holdout," said the source referred to as 'Cassandra'. "They feel there is no franchise without her and that they will wait for her to come around."
In the meantime, Cassandra noted, the Brothers Weinstein are "mulling over" a couple of (non-Williamson) spec scripts, including one by Michael T. Kennedy.
Moviehole confirmed that this new writer's submission is being read. "But by no means does that mean he’ll get the gig."
Therefore, though The Weinstein Company and Dimension Films obviously are talking about a new installment in the horror franchise, Morris concluded that "apparently Scream 4 was included in the press release to merely garner buzz."
"I find that a bit hard to swallow since there's been some level of anticipation for a fourth chapter for some time," commented a writer for ShockTilYouDrop. "And hold out for Neve, really? Especially after shoehorning her into Scream 3? The press release clearly states TWC is looking to re-start the franchise--why not start 'clean slate' with new characters?"
Well, according to new Ghost Whisperer co-star Jamie Kennedy, Scream 4 may include both new and old.
"I don’t know what’s going to happen, but they have plans for a lot of things," he told iF Magazine's CHARLENE CHENG. "You can see new faces that you wouldn’t expect and you can see old faces that you wouldn’t believe."
He also said that "the only way they're going to" make a fourth feature is if director Craven returns. Plus, though his character was shockingly knifed to death in Part 2, Kennedy suggested that he may return, as well.
"I actually had a conversation with somebody very big in the organization, and there’s a way," he said.
"Sound crazy?" JoBlo's AMMON GILBERT asked readers rhetorically. "You bet your ass it does, but that doesn't make it less true."