Skeet Ulrich Says “Scream” Was ‘Almost Shut Down’ After Studio Saw the Iconic Drew Barrymore Scene

Skeet Ulrich Reveals Scream Production Nearly Halted Over Drew Barrymore Scene

During a recent panel discussion at MegaCon 2025 in Orlando, Skeet Ulrich, known for his role in the original 1996 film ‘Scream,’ shared some behind-the-scenes insights that shed light on a major hurdle the movie faced during production. Ulrich disclosed that the iconic opening scene featuring Drew Barrymore almost caused the studio to shut down filming altogether.

The pivotal moment in ‘Scream’ sees Barrymore’s character, Casey Becker, being terrorized over the phone before meeting a gruesome end at the hands of masked killers, played by Ulrich and Matthew Lillard. Ulrich revealed that after the completion of this intense sequence, the studio executives at Miramax expressed uncertainty about the direction of the film, causing a temporary halt in production.

Ulrich recounted how director Wes Craven and the producers had to quickly edit the initial portion of the movie together and rush it to New York for the studio founders, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, to review. Fortunately, this effort helped the executives grasp the vision of the film, allowing production to resume and the rest of the movie to be made.

Despite the early challenges faced during filming, ‘Scream’ went on to become a cult classic and a massive success upon its release in 1996. The franchise has since spawned multiple sequels, with notable actors like Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera bringing new life to the series in recent years.

Reflecting on his experience working on the film, Ulrich shared that the cast, comprised mostly of young and relatively unknown actors at the time, took a chance on a project that defied expectations. Ulrich’s portrayal of Billy Loomis in the original film resonated with audiences, leading to his return in subsequent installments of the franchise.

As discussions around a new ‘Scream’ movie continue, fans are eager to see if Ulrich will reprise his role once again. With Neve Campbell returning to the series and exciting developments on the horizon, the future of the franchise looks promising for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Ulrich expressed his surprise at the enduring popularity of the ‘Scream’ series, noting that the resurgence of interest in recent years was unexpected. He attributed the success of the films to a group of passionate individuals who came together to create something special, not knowing the impact it would have on audiences worldwide.

In conclusion, Skeet Ulrich’s revelations about the challenges faced during the production of ‘Scream’ offer fans a glimpse into the making of a horror classic that almost never came to fruition. As the legacy of the franchise continues to grow, Ulrich’s role in bringing the character of Billy Loomis to life remains a pivotal part of the series’ success and enduring appeal.