**Courteney Cox Considers Directing Next ‘Scream’ Film at TIFF Premiere**
Courteney Cox has expressed her desire to take the director’s seat for the next installment of the iconic horror franchise, ‘Scream.’ While attending the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) for the premiere of her second directorial project, ‘Evil Genius,’ she shared her enthusiasm about the possibility during a conversation with Deadline.
Cox, who is notably the only actor to feature in all seven films of the ‘Scream’ series, stated, “I think I should, honestly,” when asked if she would consider directing a future sequel. At 62, she feels a strong connection to the franchise, remarking that “nobody knows more about that movie than I do.” Her long-standing association with the series, including her role as the beloved character Gale Weathers, adds weight to her candidacy.
As she unveiled her film, ‘Evil Genius,’ at TIFF, Cox acknowledged that while she possesses extensive knowledge of the ‘Scream’ series, she is not alone in this regard. “There’s also the creator and the writers and Wes Craven and everyone who’s been in it,” she said, paying tribute to the late director Wes Craven, who was pivotal in shaping the franchise’s identity. Nonetheless, Cox remains optimistic about her own capabilities as a potential director. “I think it’d be great and fun, and it’d be a good publicity thing,” she added with a touch of humour, urging the franchise’s producers to reconsider their plans.
The conversation surrounding direction comes on the heels of reports that sisters Lilla and Nora Zuckerman have joined the writing team for the eighth ‘Scream’ film. They are known for their work on popular television series, including ‘Poker Face’ and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’ However, details regarding the director and cast for the next movie have yet to be confirmed.
At the festival, Cox made a rare appearance on the red carpet to promote ‘Evil Genius,’ which follows her directorial debut with ‘Just Before I Go’ in 2014. The new film, featuring notable actors Patricia Arquette and David Harbour, delves into the notorious “pizza bomber” case from 2003, which gripped the nation due to its bizarre and tragic circumstances.
Cox spoke to PEOPLE at TIFF about how her experiences as an actress have informed her directorial approach. “I understand actors. I feel like I know what I like to be directed, how I like to be [directed], when I want to get a note, what kind of note,” she explained. Her hands-on experience in front of the camera helps her foster a collaborative environment on set, particularly with seasoned talents like Arquette and Harbour.
In her interactions with her cast, Cox demonstrated a straightforward, yet respectful approach: “Sometimes you get really dumb notes and you’re like, ‘Oh my God.’ You want to go crazy,” she quipped jokingly. Her aim is to allow her actors to explore their performances while stepping in to offer guidance when necessary.
‘Evil Genius’ tells the harrowing true story of Brian Wells, a pizza deliveryman who died during a robbery in Erie, Pennsylvania. The film explores the complex criminal scheme behind the infamous case, which included an FBI investigation that unravelled a web of deceit leading to Wells’ tragic fate. Throughout the ordeal, Wells claimed he had been forced to carry out the robbery against his will, asking for a staggering $250,000 in cash from the bank.
As Cox continues to forge her path as a director, her desire to helm another ‘Scream’ film indicates her commitment to the franchise that has become intertwined with her own career. The prospect of a new chapter in this beloved horror series would undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective, especially coming from someone who has such deep-seated knowledge of its legacy.
With anticipation building for what lies ahead in the ‘Scream’ universe, fans are eager to see whether Cox’s ambition to direct comes to fruition. As the current landscape of horror films continues to evolve, the next installment may benefit from a visionary who understands both the genre and the franchise’s unique place in cinematic history.