The slasher genre is one of the most well-known forms of horror, and one of the most popular of these films is Wes Craven's 1996 Scream. The horror master's love-letter to the slasher archetype followed the classic format of teenagers getting murdered, but provided meta-commentary that elevated the film into cult status. Since then there have been three sequels, but the latest version of Scream exists on TV. MTV's adaptation has aired two seasons thus far, with a third on the way, but fans may want to brace themselves: it'll be a reboot with none of the same characters, actors, or plotlines.
Deadline has the scoop and they are hearing that MTV is looking to start over from scratch with their Scream television series. This reboot would be a fresh start and see a new cast and storyline takeover. MTV is currently looking for a new showrunner who would shape the creative direction of this new Season 3. Scream has a history of switching showrunners. Jill Blotevogal and Jaime Paglia served as showrunners on Season 1, before Michael Gans and Richard Register stepped in for Season 2. It will be up to this new showrunner how the show will reference any of the events of the previous seasons, if at all.
MTV has also quietly given the cast permission to find other work. Notably, series lead Willa Fitzgerald (Emma Duval) recently joined the FOX pilot, Behind Enemy Lines. Scream additionally starred Bex Taylor-Klaus, John Karna, Carlson Young and Santiago Segura.
MTV renewed Scream for Season 3 back in October -- albeit with a shortened order of six episodes compared to the 10 and 13 of Seasons 1 and 2. The last time fans saw the teens/survivors of Lakewood was during October's two-hour Halloween special, which sought to wrap up storylines and leftover plot threads from Season 2. Anything that was left in the dark, though, could likely remain that way.
This is no doubt disheartening to fans who have followed along and campaigned for the show, only to learn that it will be entirely different when it returns. This reboot does, however, provide some benefits. For one, it's a clean slate that allows the show to do something new. The problem with a slasher TV series is that it's a thin concept to stretch out over a season and it's hard to have the same thing happen to the same people and keep it feeling fresh. The limited 6-episode third season at least has the benefit of telling a more condensed story.
There's bound to be a lot more updates about MTV's plans for Scream, so keep checking back in with CinemaBlend for more. Don't forget to check out our mid-season TV premiere guide or look to the future with our summer TV premiere guide.
