We all recognize the haunting face of Ghost Face from the Scream franchise. But the iconic mask has a lesser-known backstory. Initially discovered by Scream producer Marianne Maddalena during a location scout with Wes Craven, the Ghost Face mask’s eerie presence captivated the creative team. However, obtaining the rights with Fun World to use it wasn’t an easy feat.

While negotiations were underway with their scouting finding, director Wes Craven tasked KNB Effects—headed by Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger—with crafting alternative designs. These prototypes were revisited years later by artist Crash Cunningham during the making of Scream: The Inside Story. Including the “Casper” concept, an inside joke, that made its way into the documentary.

Recently, Scream enthusiast Mike Aspinwall shared these rare pieces of concept art, bringing Cunningham’s recreated designs back into the limelight. These visuals offer fans an extraordinary glimpse into the early creative iterations of what would become one of horror’s most iconic masks.

Cunningham’s faithful reproductions for the documentary provide a fascinating look into the collaborative efforts behind Ghost Face’s haunting legacy.