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'Scream 5' cast given scripts with fake endings to protect identity of Ghostface

Watch: Filming wraps on Scream sequel

Not all of the cast members of the new Scream movie were given the correct ending to the script, with most unaware of whether they know the true identity of Ghostface or not.

Original cast members Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette have returned for the movie, which is being helmed by Ready or Not directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.

Read more: Drew Barrymore explains why she had to die in Scream

The slasher sequel — known, rather confusingly, as simply Scream — recently wrapped principal photography, but producer William Sherak has suggested even those on set might not have all the answers.

In an interview with Cinema Blend, he said: “I think the two things to remember for us. One is there are multiple versions of the draft out there and most of the cast don’t know if they have the right version or not.

The masked Ghostface Killer first appeared in 1996 slasher movie 'Scream'. (Credit: Dimension Films)
The masked Ghostface Killer first appeared in 1996 slasher movie 'Scream'. (Credit: Dimension Films)

“So we’ve been playing that game with them as well. And the fun of a Scream movie is that everyone is guilty until proven innocent, not the other way around.

“So the goal is to keep that going for as long as possible and have fun with it.”

Read more: Campbell turned her back on Hollywood after Scream

While key cast members were likely given the real script, many members of the ensemble will be just as in the dark as the audience when the movie plays out.

It is not known whether the deception extended to shooting alternative versions of the ending in order to maintain secrecy.

'Scream'. (Credit: Dimension Films)
'Scream'. (Credit: Dimension Films)

The iconic Ghostface mask has been off our screens since the self-referential 2011 sequel Scream 4 revitalised the franchise following the divisive third movie

All four previous entries in the series were directed by horror maestro Wes Craven — who also created A Nightmare on Elm Street — but he passed away in 2015, aged 76.

Read more: Looking back at Wes Craven’s iconic career

Campbell said earlier this year that she was “really apprehensive” about taking on a sequel without Craven at the helm, but said she was convinced by the passion of her new directing duo.

She added: “They’re really so excited to be a part of these films and what an honour it is to do them, and that they really want to do justice to Wes and honour his legacy.”

Scream is due to be released in January 2022.

Watch: Neve Campbell discusses honouring Wes Craven with Scream 5