While the Scream franchise is best known for having two killers in each installment (besides Scream 3), the concept would’ve been pushed past its limits had Scream 2 been filmed as originally intended. The sequel would’ve totally transcended the formula by revealing not just two or even three killers, but a whopping total of four.
Unfortunately at the time of filming, the script was prematurely leaked online – forcing writer Kevin Williamson to develop a series of new drafts and rewrites to hide the new ending.
Williamson recently spoke with Dread Central about the process, unveiling some of the killers he originally had in mind.
“The Hallie and Derek ending was a dummy draft. At the time the script was written, the studio was determined to keep the plot details under wraps.
They were worried the killer’s identity would be leaked, so we wrote several endings. Three in all, if memory serves, and when actors and potential crew members asked to read the script, we would send the script with the dummy ending.”
It was one of these drafts which featured the four killers – made up of almost everyone around Sydney. At first it’s revealed to be her best friend Hallie and boyfriend Derek, who are both killed by Mrs. Loomis. She explains they were her expendable accomplices, and that she intended to frame Cotton for the rest of the murders.
This is where the fourth killer comes in, as Cotton kills Mrs. Loomis and proceeds to turn against Sydney as for having ruined his life before the events of the first Scream.
Of course the ultimate film went back to only having two killers – Mrs. Loomis and her accomplice Mickey. Unfortunately it always felt to me that Mrs. Loomis’ inclusion sort of bogged down the film, taking away from the innovative motives that Mickey had. Her reasoning only created a bunch of nonsensical ties the story didn’t need.
Despite all of the production issues for Scream 2, the franchise managed to survive, and even today endures the slasher film decline with an ongoing television series on MTV.
What do you think of the alternate Scream 2 script? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!