It’s a fact: Scream works best with its original creators. If you doubt that Kevin Williamson penned the script for Scream 4, just take a look at the gallery of images from the set displayed above. Despite recent news about Ehren Krueger—the polarizing writer of Scream 3—being brought in for minor rewrites, the core script belongs to Williamson. True fans will recognize his signature style.

Williamson, who is currently in Atlanta working on The Vampire Diaries, couldn’t be present in Michigan during filming. Yet, his influence is unmistakable. The barn sequence, the “hanging Casey doll” posted by Wes Craven, the “Stab-A-Thorn” party, and the “Remembrance Week” all radiate Williamson’s distinctive touch. Much like the chilling atmosphere of Scream 2, which commented on media sensationalism and society’s obsession with tragic true crimes, Scream 4 carries that same biting commentary.

In Williamson’s world, people are twisted enough to host a party inspired by real-life horrors. It’s dark, satirical, and quintessentially Scream. Of course, the involvement of Ehren Krueger—likely a studio decision—reportedly ruffled feathers for both Williamson and for sure for die-hard fans.

Some time ago, Williamson’s wit was on full display when he jokingly referenced Randy’s return, possibly alluding to the character’s video cameo in Scream 3. On Twitter, he joked about putting Randy on a white horse (a jab at Rob Zombie’s Halloween 2) and called the idea “tacky.”

Scream 4 represents Williamson’s vision of returning to Woodsboro, a departure from the Hollywood clichés that plagued Scream 3. While studio interference might have caused some friction, fans can feel reassured knowing that the heart of this sequel stays true to the franchise’s roots.