At the Night of the Demons premiere last Friday, David Arquette spoke with Dread Central about a potential subtitle for Scream 4: The Return to Woodsboro.

Whether this was an official hint or just Arquette joking around, the mention of a subtitle adds an intriguing layer to the franchise’s signature meta-commentary. Subtitles were a hallmark of 80s and 90s horror, often tacked onto low-budget sequels (think A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: The Dream Master).

Breaking Tradition or Embracing Tropes?

The Scream series has mostly avoided subtitles, opting instead to let its iconic title stand alone. But Scream 4—with its self-aware humor and commentary on horror clichés—wouldn’t be out of place poking fun at this old-school trend.

And for diehard fans, the idea of Return to Woodsboro might spark a smile. Who could forget Stab 3: Return to Woodsboro, the in-universe film from Scream 3? Whether intentional or coincidental, the connection is undeniable.

A Clever Callback for Fans?

If the subtitle The Return to Woodsboro were to make the final cut, it could serve as both a nostalgic nod to genre traditions and a wink to the franchise’s long-time fans. Either way, it’s clear the franchise’s self-awareness remains as sharp as ever—much like Ghostface’s blade.

So, what’s your take? Does Return to Woodsboro have the makings of a perfect meta-title, or is it better left in parody territory?