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What a terrifying thrill! As the whole horror landscape is well aware, Scream stands as one of the most triumphant slasher series in movie history. Primarily anchored by protagonist Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), each installment acquaints us with fresh faces, all of whom promptly join the lineup of main suspects. Yet, that doesn’t suggest long-standing figures are automatically in the clear, either. Everyone is potentially guilty when it comes to Ghostface.
Alongside on-screen violence arise injuries and, naturally, demises. Certain ones were anticipated, though some have left a mark on fans’ hearts now that the franchise has been expanded to encompass seven films.
Hollywood Life outlines all the significant deaths of longstanding characters in the Scream saga here.
Tatum Riley — Passes Away in Scream
Tatum, Sidney’s closest friend, is crushed by a garage door in the initial movie. The self-assured character was portrayed by Rose McGowan.
Randy Meeks — Passes Away in Scream 2, Appears Again in Scream 3
Randy, the franchise’s most fervent authority on surviving a slasher movie, met his end in Scream 2 when Ghostface snatches and stabs him in a van. The persona was enacted by Jamie Kennedy, and he made a comeback in Scream 3 for a quick video where Randy cautions Sidney on how to navigate the upcoming Stab film.
Billy Loomis — Passes Away in Scream, Appears Again in Scream, Scream VI
Billy was among the pair of original murderers from the debut movie. While he informs Sidney and Stu that his supposed “movie” is “more chilling” without a motivation, he discloses that he sought retribution against Sidney’s late mother, Maureen Prescott, for engaging in an affair with his father. Billy resurfaces in 2022’s Scream and Scream VI through visions experienced by his biological daughter, Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera).
Stu Macher — Passes Away in Scream, Appears Again in Scream 7
Stu is dispatched by Sidney at the conclusion of Scream after she slams his face with a TV. Portrayed by Matthew Lillard, he reappears as an AI rendition of himself in Scream 7.
Cotton Weary — Passes Away in Scream 3
Cotton, who was unjustly accused of being Maureen Prescott’s killer, is enjoying an enhanced existence in Scream 3 until Ghostface assaults him in his own dwelling. The role was brought to life by Liev Schreiber.
Roman Bridger— Passes Away in Scream 3, Appears Again in Scream 7
Roman is the franchise’s singular lone killer. After divulging to Sidney in Scream 3 that he is her half-sibling and that he orchestrated Billy’s killing spree, she slays Roman while he’s still donning the Ghostface attire. Roman is back in a different version of himself in Scream 7. The character is played by actor Scott Foley.
Judy Hicks — Passes Away in Scream (2022)
Judy is presented in Scream 4 as the town’s Deputy Sheriff. She returns in 2022’s Scream after failing to shield her son, Wes, from Ghostface’s violence. She was embodied by Marley Shelton.
Dewey Riley — Passes Away in Scream (2022), Appears Again in Scream 7
Former Sheriff Dewey Riley is first showcased as a deputy sheriff in the debut film, who develops affection for Gale Weathers. He is the older sibling of Tatum Riley, who perishes in the first movie. After enduring four Ghostface films, he is sadly stabbed to death by the killer in 2022’s Scream years following his separation from Gale. However, he reappears in a different form in Scream 7. Actor David Arquette has been embodying the character since 1996.