Sequels are always a toss-up. Very rarely do the follow-up films match up to the original. Scream is the exception in that each subsequent chapter finds a way to offer something unique to the series, while still maintaining much of the same elements fans love. Now the franchise has a new film coming this January and if the poster and trailer are indications of what is to come, then fans are in for a treat!

Synopsis: Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past. Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”), Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) and David Arquette (“Dewey Riley”) return to their iconic roles in Scream alongside Melissa Barrera, Kyle Gallner, Mason Gooding, Mikey Madison, Dylan Minnette, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Sonia Ammar.

I am a major fan of the Scream series, and when I heard they were making another one I was skeptical. This trailer has quelled my fears and inspired hope that it will be a satisfying addition to the violent and meta saga. Bringing back Sidney, Gale, and Dewey was essential to create a link to the franchise we know and love, and this new film offers an opportunity to introduce fans to new characters to love. Come January 14, I will be in the theater, popcorn in hand, and ready to check out this next chapter!

Scream is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett, written by James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick, and stars Melissa Barrera, Kyle Gallner, Mason Gooding, Mikey Madison, Dylan Minnette, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sonia Ammar, with Courteney Cox, David Arquette and Neve Campbell. Scream will premiere only in theaters beginning January 14, 2022.