David Arquette, the well-known actor famous for his role as Dewey Riley in the “Scream” franchise, is gearing up for a 14-date theatre tour across the United States to honour the 30th anniversary of the original film. This tour, titled *Behind the Scream*, begins this October and promises to give fans a nostalgic and immersive look back at the classic horror movie.
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In a recent interview with *PEOPLE*, Arquette shared a poignant memory of working with the late Wes Craven, the iconic director of the franchise. He recalled a particular scene in which his character, Dewey, engages with Courteney Cox’s character, Gale Weathers. Craven’s direction for Arquette during this scene was impactful: “When she asks you, ‘Is that what you’re looking for?’, I want you to look at her like you’ve been looking for this person your whole life.”
Arquette fondly described the moment, saying, “Oh, that’s so sweet, Wes,” reflecting on the warmth and wisdom Craven imparted. The actor viewed Craven not only as a director but as a mentor who profoundly affected both his career and personal development.
In the films, Dewey and Gale share an on-again, off-again relationship, mirroring aspects of Arquette’s real-life connection with Cox. The couple met on the set of “Scream,” married in 1999, and welcomed their daughter, Coco, in 2004. Their marriage, however, ended in divorce in 2013, yet they have maintained a strong friendship since.
While reflecting on the milestone of the film’s anniversary, Arquette expressed a bittersweet nostalgia, especially in light of Craven’s passing in 2015. “I typically do tend to get rather emotional because it is an emotional experience. We’ve lost Wes, and that’s super sad,” he admitted. The loss of Craven is felt deeply by those who worked with him, and Arquette is no exception.
Arquette recounted how Craven took the time to guide him personally during challenging moments in his life, specifically during the filming of “Scream 2.” He described a heartfelt conversation where Craven provided support that changed his perspective, encouraging him to build self-love and make better life choices. “It was just so moving and pivotal, and I’ve thought about it my whole life,” Arquette noted.
The actor explained that Craven’s seemingly gentle nature surprised him, having assumed a horror director would possess a darker persona. “He was just so elegant and soft-spoken,” Arquette reflected. The contrast between Craven’s calm demeanor and his filmography of spine-chilling horrors illustrated a multifaceted character whose kindness had a lasting impact on those around him.
“Behind the Scream” will allow fans to engage with the legacy of “Scream” in various intimate settings, where Arquette will share his experiences and insights during the making of the film. As he embarks on this tour, Arquette hopes to rekindle fond memories with audiences while keeping the spirit of Wes Craven alive.
As this new chapter unfolds for Arquette, he remains dedicated to paying homage to the director who inspired him, ensuring that Craven’s artistic contributions to cinema are celebrated. The tour promises not only to honour a beloved film but also to shed light on the personal growth and lessons learned from one of horror’s finest. Fans can expect a blend of nostalgia, laughter, and tender recollections throughout the journey.