Chad Villella, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, and Tyler Gillett, the powerhouse trio behind Radio Silence, shared insights into crafting the highly anticipated next chapter of the Scream franchise during our exclusive interview.
Balancing Legacy and Reinvention
“The Scream legacy is always front and center,” says Gillett. “Each movie builds on the previous ones while remaining totally original. From the start, we knew this had to be a love letter to Wes [Craven] and the earlier films but also take its own unique risks.”
One of those risks was dropping the numerical title. According to Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, the aim was simple yet ambitious: to make “a standalone good movie.”
But how do you honor legacy while creating a fresh start?
“A lot of it came from the script,” Matt explains. “The entry point is accessible for everyone. You don’t need to have seen all four movies to understand it. However, your experience will be heightened if you’re familiar with the earlier films. And yes—we have a ton of easter eggs!”
Self-Aware Horror and the Scream Tradition
One hallmark of the franchise is its sharp, self-referential commentary. For Radio Silence, it was essential to continue this tradition.
“It wouldn’t be a Scream movie if it didn’t talk about where the genre stands in pop culture,” Tyler Gillett emphasizes.
Crafting a Spoiler-Free Trailer
Another challenge has been assembling a trailer without giving away key plot points, death scenes, or surprises—a feat some recent horror releases struggled with.
“There’s a lot in this movie that can be spoiled really easily,” Gillett admits. “It’s going to be fascinating to see how the marketing team threads that needle because it’s a very narrow one.”
The Inevitable Rating
For those wondering, Chad Villella confirmed the expected: “The movie is rated R.”
Radio Silence Exclusive Interview
- Part I: Reflecting on Wes Craven, scary movies, and Scream (1996). Read
- Part II: Discussing Scream (2022) and blending legacy with innovation. Read
- Part III: Exploring the cast (old and new) and filming during the pandemic. Read