Scream Movie Star Issues Apology for Controversial Death Scene

Highlights from Scream 5’s Shocking Turn of Events

David Arquette’s beloved character, Dewey Riley, faced a surprising fate in Scream 5.
Actor Mikey Madison expressed her surprise at the strong reactions from fans regarding Dewey’s death.
Speculation arises among fans about Dewey potentially returning as a ghost in Scream 7, similar to Billy Loomis’s role.

The release of Scream 5 stirred a wave of emotional turmoil among fans, particularly with the unexpected death of a key character, Dewey Riley, portrayed by David Arquette. This shocking development left a notable impact on not only the fans but also on those involved in the film.

Staying true to its legacy, Scream 5 carried on the franchise’s trend of eliminating characters who appeared to be safe. Fans had previously experienced the shock of losing iconic characters like Drew Barrymore and Jamie Kennedy, but Dewey’s demise resonated more profoundly. Dewey, a staple character since the franchise’s inception, met his end at the hands of Mikey Madison’s Amber, one of the film’s two Ghostface killers. This turn of events was particularly jarring, considering Dewey’s integral role alongside Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott and Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers.

In a recent interview on the Collider Ladies Night podcast, Madison shared her thoughts on portraying the character responsible for Dewey’s untimely death. She candidly admitted her surprise at the fervent reactions from the fanbase: “I was sad to see Dewey go… Then I realized afterward the heartbreak that so many people felt,”she recounted, highlighting the intensity of the backlash she faced.

Amber Freeman (Mikey Madison) smiling in Scream (2022)

Reflecting on her audition process, Madison revealed that after submitting her tape, she received no updates for around eight months. Eventually offered the role, she was excited about playing a Ghostface character, which she described as a thrilling opportunity:

“It’s such an interesting, fun reveal… the character’s arc is crazy and unpredictable. The self-awareness of these films allows actors to really enjoy the fun aspects of their roles.”

The sentiment of loss was not limited to Madison; her co-stars felt similarly. Neve Campbell mentioned that she and others on set had advocated for Dewey’s survival, even suggesting that directors film the scene both ways to explore alternate endings. Despite their efforts, the directors ultimately decided on the tragic outcome, a choice Campbell later reflected on due to the overwhelming fan response.

As the Scream series evolves, it raises a pertinent question: can any of the original trio survive forever? Some fans speculate that Dewey could return in Scream 7 in a ghostly form, similar to how Billy Loomis haunted his daughter in Scream 5. While some might see this as a cliché plot twist, many fans would relish the chance to see Dewey’s spirit one more time.

Scream (2022) is now streaming on Paramount Plus, inviting fans to relive the tension and excitement that defines this beloved horror franchise.

Source: Collider

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