As a matter of course nowadays, TV networks are raiding the shelves of abandoned video stores for their next big series. No popular movie of yesteryear is safe from small screen development! However, MTV’s re-booted TV version of Wes Craven’s popular slasher franchise, Scream, may be veering into a different direction than we first thought, as one iconic aspect may be absent.
While Craven himself, along with Scream alums Marianne Magdalena and Cathy Konrad will be returning to executive produce the show, the man responsible for countless soiled pairs of pants probably won’t. In what’s frankly a bizarre revelation, apparently Ghostface isn’t confirmed at this stage to make an appearance.
The ghostly visage of the killer is synonymous with the franchise. The trademark look was originally licensed by the filmmakers from Fun World, who created the mask. One of the company’s spokesmen, RJ Torbert, responded to a request from Ghostface.co.uk, a Scream fan-site, about whether or not MTV had approached them. This is his reply:
Please note, that I had been in communication with TWC regarding this and they have informed me, that as of now, and during the initial launch that GHOST FACE® is not involved in the new format. They also indicated that because of this direction, it does not mean, that Ghost Face® will not be involved at a later date. So, there is still a question, to the question. However, as of now, there is no involvement.
This suggests that Fun World have no issue with The Weinstein Company, who are producing the show, using the mask once more. However, the fact that the show intends to veer away from what made the original run of movies so popular is indeed puzzling. Torbert agrees, as he went on to say:
We believe SCREAM is GHOST FACE, and GHOST FACE® is Scream. However, while GHOST FACE® is owned by Fun World, The Scream Motion Picture Franchise is owned by The Weinstein Company and it is their option to Film a movie or T.V. SHOW without GHOST FACE®.
Regardless, we wish them the best of luck and I’m sure SCREAM FANS will check out the series. Who knows what will happen in the future regarding the series and Ghost Face®. Never say Never.
Considering this last statement, it seems there’s a slim chance that Ghostface won’t perish and this could be a case of the show building up to his introduction. In fact, we might be in store for a prequel series based on what we know thus far. Earlier this year, a director and cast were announced for the spinoff, which is set to be based loosely on the original four movies’ reign of terror. This time around, events will revolve around a mysterious viral video that surfaces online, with deadly repercussions.
At this stage, however, there has only been an order for a pilot, which means that if it’s unsuccessful, Scream will be as dead in the water as Ghostface himself.