Scream TV Series May Not Feature Ghostface Mask

It seems the signature killer’s mask from the ‘Scream’ movies may not appear in the upcoming TV spin-off series.

'Scream' is relatively unique among long-running horror franchises, in that it followed a core group of heroes from film to film, as opposed to the villain. With a new bad guy unveiled and ultimately defeated at the finale of each film, the Edvard Munch-inspired mask and long black cloak were pretty much the one iconic image which tied the series together.

However, whilst the rights to the ‘Scream’ franchise are owned by The Weinstein Company, the mask is the copyrighted property of novelty manufacturer Fun World - which might complicate its use in the TV spin-off which TWC/Dimension and MTV are working on.

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Fan site Ghostface.co.uk asked Fun World’s RJ Tobert whether Ghost Face would appear in the show, and the answer - for now, at least - is no:

"I had been in communication with TWC regarding this and they have informed me,  that  as of now, and during the initial launch that Ghost Face is not involved in the new format. They also indicated that because of this direction, it does not mean, that Ghost Face will not be involved at a later date… However, as of now,  there is no involvement."

However, Tobert insists that Fun World is not in any way keeping the mask from being used in the show:

"We have received pretty harsh notes, some addressed specifically to me, implying that Fun World  and/or me, is responsible for the series not having Ghost Face - nothing could be further from the truth.

"We believe ‘Scream’ is Ghost Face, and Ghost Face is ‘Scream.’ However, while Ghost Face is owned by Fun World, The Scream Motion Picture Franchise is owned by The Weinstein Company and it is their option to Film a movie or T.V.  SHOW without Ghost Face.

"Regardless, we wish them the best of luck and I’m sure ‘Scream’ fans will check out the series. Who knows what will happen in the future regarding the series and Ghost Face. Never say Never."

Not much is known about the direction the ‘Scream’ TV show is taking, although back in October 2013 TWC head honcho Harvey Weinstein said it would “represent a new beginning and also pursue a supernatural direction,” and that there would be “no overlap” with the movies.

The last entry in the movie series, 2011’s ‘Scream 4,’ had been intended to relaunch the big screen franchise, but the film’s underperformance at the box office but the brakes on those plans. Even so, rumours of further films do pop up from time to time.

The ‘Scream’ TV pilot is set to be directed by Jamie Travis, from a script by Jay Beattie and Dan Dworkin. Wes Craven, director of all four ‘Scream’ films, has executive producer credit - but the series creator, screenwriter Kevin Williamson, is not involved at all.

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Picture Credit: TWC/Dimension