The Making of Scream 2: Script Leaks, Rewrites & Meta Horror
Sequels suck. For the most part, that sentiment holds true, especially within the horror genre. So how did they manage to create a proper sequel to a film that was already a meta breakdown of slasher movies? Who were the original characters planned to be Ghostface? And was the original script actually leaked… or was it a plant set up by production? Let’s take a look at the sequel and figure it all out as we see what happened to Scream 2.
Development & Returning Creators
Both writer Kevin Williamson and director Wes Craven were contracted for two Scream sequels after the original film’s successful test screenings. The Weinsteins wanted to lock them in early, but Craven was hesitant. He didn’t want to be boxed in as just a horror director.
At one point, Robert Rodriguez was approached to direct Scream 2, but Craven ultimately couldn’t let someone else take over. Interestingly, Rodriguez was originally supposed to be credited as the director of the in-universe film Stab, but legal issues prevented that… though this was later resolved in Scream 4.
Not that Rodriguez missed out. He went on to direct The Faculty instead.
Greenlight, Budget & Scope
Scream 2 wasn’t officially greenlit until March 1997. The budget increased from $15 million to $24 million, and the expanded scope is noticeable: more extras, bigger set pieces, and a move beyond suburban settings.
The film was even briefly titled Scream: The Sequel, doubling down on its meta identity.
Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott was the only character guaranteed to return, so Dimension made sure to lock her contract in before the first film even began shooting.
Cast & Characters
Returning cast members like Jamie Kennedy, David Arquette, and Courteney Cox had sequel options added after the original’s box office success. Fun fact: Jamie Kennedy came up with Randy’s facial hair himself, inspired by the grunge trend of the time. Roger L. Jackson returned as the voice of Ghostface, once again delivering that iconic performance.
New cast members included:
Timothy Olyphant
Sarah Michelle Gellar
Laurie Metcalf
Jerry O’Connell
Jada Pinkett
Omar Epps
Elise Neal
Kevin Williamson even makes a cameo as a talk show host during Sidney’s reintroduction, though Wes Craven does not appear this time. Liev Schreiber also returns as Cotton Weary in a much larger role, though it was originally intended to be even bigger.
Story & Meta Evolution
The plot of Scream 2 is a straightforward continuation: Sidney is now in college, and a copycat killer begins targeting her again. But the film leans even harder into sequel tropes while simultaneously subverting them. It also introduces Stab, the in-universe movie based on the events of the first film, a brilliant meta concept that became a staple of the franchise.
Filming Locations & Production
Filming took place from June to August 1997 in Los Angeles and Atlanta.
The opening Stab screening was filmed at the Rialto Theatre (exterior) and Vista Theatre (interior)
Windsor College scenes were shot at UCLA and Agnes Scott College
The classroom scene discussing horror sequels was completely reshot. The original version made Mickey too obvious as a suspect, so it was reworked to include more characters, like Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Cici, to better balance suspicion. Joshua Jackson also appears in this scene, thanks to his connection with Williamson’s Dawson’s Creek.
Easter Eggs & Cameos
One of the most fun surprises? Matthew Lillard (Stu from the first film) appears briefly in a party scene. But no, this is not Stu secretly returning. Lillard was simply visiting the set (he was dating Neve Campbell at the time), and Craven added him as a background cameo for fun.
The Stab Movie Within the Movie
The Stab sequences are packed with clever casting:
Tori Spelling as Sidney
Luke Wilson as Billy Loomis
Heather Graham recreating Casey Becker (originally played by Drew Barrymore)
These meta choices reinforce the franchise’s self-awareness and humor.
The Infamous Script Leak
For years, it was rumored that an early draft of Scream 2 leaked online, revealing the original killers. In that version:
Derek and Hallie were the killers
Mrs. Loomis remained the mastermind
Cotton had a larger role in the finale
However, Kevin Williamson later claimed this was a “dummy draft,” one of several fake endings written to prevent leaks. Still, Wes Craven has said in interviews that Williamson was rewriting scenes on the day of shooting, suggesting that real elements may have leaked as well.
Editor Patrick Lussier confirmed that the film required significant editing and ADR to make everything cohesive.
Chaotic Production
The production schedule was intense. Williamson was reportedly writing lines like: “Wes Craven will make it scary.”
Only actors involved in the finale were given those pages, and they had to sign NDAs. Many cast members didn’t know who the killer was while filming their scenes.
Randy’s Death
One of the film’s most shocking moments comes early: the death of Randy Meeks. He had become a fan-favorite, but Williamson wanted real stakes. Killing Randy ensured that no character felt safe, and it remains one of the franchise’s most impactful moments.
Music & Score
Marco Beltrami returned to score the sequel, adding strong atmosphere throughout. Additional contributions included:
Hans Zimmer (Broken Arrow) — temp music that stayed in the film
Danny Elfman — composed “Cassandra Aria” for Sidney’s stage rehearsal
An impressive lineup for a horror sequel.
MPAA & Rating Strategy
After struggles with the MPAA on the first film, Craven submitted a more violent cut of Scream 2, expecting to negotiate down. Surprisingly, the version was approved immediately. Craven still trimmed it afterward to match his intended vision.
Box Office & Reception
Scream 2 premiered on December 12, 1997, earning nearly $33 million opening weekend. In fact, Titanic moved its release date to avoid competing with it. The film grossed $172 million worldwide and holds an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Critics praised it as a smart, self-aware sequel that pokes fun at horror tropes without falling into them.
Legacy
To this day, Scream 2 remains a fan favorite. It successfully expands the original’s ideas, deepens its meta commentary, and sets the template for future entries in the franchise. Considering its rushed production, it’s remarkable how well it turned out.
And that, my friends… is what happened to Scream 2.
A couple of previous episodes of this show can be seen below. For more, check out the JoBlo Horror Originals YouTube channel—and don’t forget to subscribe!
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