Today, it’s hard to imagine horror without Scream.
Wes Craven’s 1996 classic didn’t just become a box office smash, it revitalized the slasher genre, launched one of horror’s biggest franchises, and inspired countless films that followed.
But according to legendary KNB EFX Group co-founder Howard Berger, almost nobody expected that to happen.
Speaking on the Too Reel Pod, Berger admitted he initially hated Kevin Williamson’s screenplay, believing it recycled ideas that had already been done.
“I didn’t believe in the script when I read it,” Berger said. “I felt like a lot of the gags had already been done and created. It just felt kind of like a rip-off.”
As it turns out, Berger wasn’t alone. He recalled that the mood surrounding the production was surprisingly pessimistic, with many people involved expecting the film to disappoint.
“Even production, you know, producers, were saying, ‘This film is not gonna be good,’” Berger recalled.
Perhaps even more surprising, Berger claimed Wes Craven himself wasn’t entirely confident either. According to Berger, the director confided his concerns during production after the disappointing reception to Vampire in Brooklyn.
“Even Wes… he said that to me one night because Vampire in Brooklyn had just come out and bombed,” Berger said.
Everything changed once the film was completed.
Berger said seeing the finished movie completely changed his opinion, calling it one of the rare occasions where every piece of the filmmaking process elevated material he initially doubted.
“I went to see it, and I was like, ‘Holy shit, this movie turned out so good! I really dig this movie,’” Berger said. “Somehow it all came together.”
He credited editor Patrick Lussier for helping shape the film in post-production while praising Craven for drawing memorable performances from Matthew Lillard, Skeet Ulrich, Neve Campbell, and the rest of the cast.
“Patrick Lussier was the editor. He’s a great editor and was able to take what was shot and put it together,” Berger explained. “Wes really got some great performances out of Matthew and Skeet, and Neve and everybody else. The movie worked, and it came together.”
Looking back, Berger says he’s relieved no one listened to his early instincts.
“I really loved it when I saw it,” he admitted. “I’m so glad no one listened to me saying, ‘You shouldn’t make this movie.’ I’m glad they made it because I think it’s an excellent film. People love Scream… little did I know.”
Released on December 20, 1996, Scream became a breakout hit, grossing more than $103 million domestically and over $173 million worldwide against a reported $15 million budget. Subsequent theatrical re-releases have pushed those totals even higher, while its original domestic run would equal roughly $258 million when adjusted for inflation. The film launched one of horror’s most successful franchises, spawning three sequels directed by Wes Craven before being revived by Radio Silence with 2022’s Scream and Scream VI. The series has since continued with this year’s Scream 7, cementing Ghostface as one of horror’s most enduring icons.
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