Slay Your Remarkist Watch Party: 10 Scream Franchise Facts
We dive into a list of trivia facts and lore about the Scream franchise that’ll help you build great trivia events and host informative watch parties.
The Scream franchise 😱 became an instant cult classic when the first movie, Scream, was released in 1996. The successes of subsequent movies have made the franchise a favorite among horror movie enthusiasts for over 25 years. The films are known for their mix of comedy and horror, as well as their unique and self-aware take on the genre. As you prepare for your next Remarkist watch party, or are looking for Scream trivia questions and answers, here are ten obscure facts about the Scream franchise that will help you impress your fellow horror fans. 🧠
So, did you know… ?
1. Drew Barrymore accidentally called 911 during the filming.
This sometimes comes up on a Scream trivia quiz: The opening scene of the first Scream movie, which features Drew Barrymore as Casey Becker, was shot in five days. Somehow, the prop master failed to unplug the phone, and Barrymore accidentally called 911, while screaming, several times. 📞 Local authorities were not pleased!
2. The Ghostface character was played by two actors, and hidden from the cast
The chilling voice 🗣️ of Ghostface is provided by actor Roger L. Jackson. However, in some of the scenes where Ghostface is on screen, another actor, Dane Farwell, provided the physical performance. Roger L. Jackson was never on set with the actors, so they would be even more scared of his disembodied voice. Expect to see this fun fact on a Scream movie quiz!
3. The first movie’s script was written in just three weeks
Originally, Kevin Williamson thought he had written a one-act play 🎭 with the opening scene of the first movie. But then he expanded it, and wrote the script in a frenzy, working 16 to 20 hours a day to get it done.
4. Scream was originally titled “Scary Movie”
Before it was titled Scream, the film was originally going to be called “Scary Movie.” But the title was changed when the production company wanted to name it after the popular Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson song of the same name. 🎶 The Wayans Brothers later released their own franchise called Scary Movie, so everything worked out.
5. Scream (2022) is the first film in the franchise not directed by Wes Craven
Wes Craven, the director of the first four Scream movies (who also made a cameo in the first film), passed away in 2015, leaving fans wondering who would take on the directorial duties for the fifth and sixth installments. 🎬 The honor went to the team at Radio Silence Productions (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, Chad Villella), who produced the film Ready or Not. Scream VI pays tribute to Craven and his contributions to the horror genre.
6. The script for Scream 2 was leaked
Here’s a Scream franchise fact you might need to know for your next Scream movie trivia night: Because of so much interest for Scream 2, Williamson knew he couldn’t keep script pages from getting out as they casted the film. So filmmakers leaked several dummy scripts to throw both cast members and fans off. They also leaked the real one, but by then, nobody seemed to care. 📑
7. The opening scene of Scream 2 is the only one that doesn’t feature a phone call from the killer
The opening scene of Scream 2, which takes place in a movie theater, features A-list actors who are killed before the opening credits, much like the first film. Jada Pinkett-Smith and Omar Epps are watching Stab, the movie within the movie (so meta) and don’t survive the screening. 🍿 It’s the only time in the franchise that the opening scene doesn’t feature a phone call from Ghostface.
8. Kevin Williamson was inspired by his experience as a gay man in writing the films
Williamson identified with the “final girl” trope which is a hallmark of the Scream franchise. He identified with the trauma and perseverance of the “final girl,” and believes the movies are “coded in gay survival.” 🏳️🌈
9. Scream is based on a real-life murder spree
The concept of Scream was inspired by a true story: a real-life string of murders in Gainesville, Florida. The perpetrator, Danny Rolling, murdered five college students in August 1990, which led to a heightened sense of fear and terror in the community. Kevin Williamson drew on this real-life horror to create the opening scene of the first Scream movie. 🔪
10. The Ghostface mask wasn’t originally created for the movie
The iconic Ghostface mask is one of the most recognizable horror movie props of all time. However, many fans may not know this piece of Scream movie trivia: the mask was found rather by accident. While on a location scout, Kevin Williamson found a costume mask made by the company Fun World. Wes Craven commented that it looked like Edvard Munch's famous painting, “The Scream.” And of course, the new name for the film fit perfectly. Even though they tried to create their own mask after seeing it, they ended up buying the rights to use Fun World’s design to use throughout the Scream franchise. The rest is history. 😱
With Scream VI out now, it is the perfect time to revisit the franchise and get reacquainted with your favorite characters and the iconic Ghostface killer. Schedule a watch party 🍿of the Scream franchise films with friends, or a “watch party” of the fictional films in the Stab franchise. (This article by
shows how fictional film watch parties are a fascinating part of fandom.) Put together your own Scream trivia night 🎲 (this article by will show you how), or get to work on some fan art 🎨 (and be sure to tag us on Instagram for possible inclusion in our Fan Art Fridays on stories!)And if you’re interested in chatting with other fans about the upcoming release, search for Scream in our Movie Forums, or join our Discord server to connect with fans about all kinds of franchises you love!
