The Scream movie franchise has always been known for its ever-evolving scripts, and Scream VI is no exception. The recently leaked script for the latest installment revealed some significant changes, including the removal of references to series star Sidney Prescott and a lost moment for fan-favorite character Gale Weathers.
One of the most notable cuts from the script is a scene between new series star Sam Carpenter and Gale in the Ghostface museum. In this scene, Sam expresses her frustrations about being labeled as the killer, comparing herself to Sidney Prescott. Gale offers wisdom and reassurance, saying, “Sam, I know this from experience — comparing yourself to Sidney is not a good use of your time. And besides, you’re more like me anyway.” This exchange could have provided a touching motherly moment for Gale and added depth to her character.
Throughout the Scream franchise, Gale has always been aware that she isn’t the “lovable” Final Girl like Sidney. She embraces her role as the ethically dubious counterpart, knowing that in most horror franchises, her character would have been killed off early on. This self-awareness is part of why fans adore her.
The script also includes another significant moment for Gale during the chase sequence in her apartment. She confronts Ghostface and defiantly declares, “You’ve been in my life so fucking long. I made you. And you made me.” This line, a reference to a cut moment from Scream 4, would have been a perfect final note before the conclusion of the chase scene.
Despite these potentially powerful moments, the treatment of Gale’s character in Scream VI disappointed many longtime fans. New York, her home turf, could have been a setting to showcase her investigative skills and elevate her role in the plot. However, Gale’s character arc feels half-baked in this film.
Instead of building on Gale’s growth over the previous movies, Scream VI reverts her back to her original portrayal from Scream 2. She is once again the bloodthirsty reporter who gets punched in the face in her first scene. This regression erases everything she has learned and experienced over the past 25 years.
While Gale has a thrilling chase scene, she spends the remainder of the movie in the hospital, whereas other characters with severe injuries join the rest of the protagonists shortly after. This lack of follow-up scenes diminishes the impact of Gale’s character and leaves fans wanting more.
As fans eagerly anticipate Scream 7, it remains unclear what role Gale Weathers will play in the next installment. The current strategy of bringing back legacy characters for minor and insignificant roles hasn’t resonated with viewers. If Gale is to return, she should be given a significant role with substantial material to work with, or it may be best to leave her character behind entirely.
Scream VI is currently available for streaming on Paramount Plus and can be digitally rented or purchased on platforms like Amazon and Vudu.