‘Scream 7’ Tested a Much Different (and Surprising) Ending, According to Kevin Williamson
Filmmaker Kevin Williamson has revealed that ‘Scream 7’ once had a much different (and surprising) ending that would’ve shocked fans.
Scream 7 is out in theaters now and has already cut through the competition at the box office on its way to a massive haul. That in spite of some strong movements to boycott the film over the studio’s firing of Scream V & VI star, Melissa Barrera. Reactions have been split, though I think most of us would agree that ending could’ve been a lot more satisfying. And, according to writer/director Kevin Williamson, a much more surprising conclusion was, in fact, shot.
Big Scream 7 spoilers ahead.
During an interview with Esquire, Williamson was asked about the return of original Ghostface, Stu (Matthew Lillard). If you’ve seen the film, then you know his presence was accomplished through a clever AI program that the killers use, depicting themselves as the infamous madman. “[Co-writer Guy Busick] wrote all the AI stuff,” said the filmmaker.
Continued Williamson, “The first time I read it, I was like, ‘How is this going to work? How is he going to be alive?’ Furthermore, if it is AI, will part of the audience be disappointed that he’s not real? We were playing that game. And I’d be lying if I said we didn’t shoot it both ways.”
So, wait, an alternate ending was shot?
“We shot a little coda at the end that we had in our back pocket,” the director said. “But oddly enough, the decision was that the audience wanted him dead.” Apparently, test audiences were shown the ending and weren’t having it. “It makes more sense [if he’s dead]. It’s more real. If he’s alive, that’s a big stretch. We live in a world now where with fake AI, we know that’s possible.”
I couldn’t agree more with Williamson, here. As fun as the idea is, I’ve always been an advocate against Stu coming back from the dead. His head was crushed by a TV. Come on now. That said, I’d love to see this alternate finale, if only out of curiosity. Maybe if we’re lucky, it’ll be included on the Blu-ray.
But, as it stands, audiences will just have to be satisfied with ‘s non-Stu Ghostface(s).
