The Unexpected Shift in "Scream"’s Lead Role
Neve Campbell’s portrayal of Sidney Prescott in the “Scream” franchise is one of the most iconic in horror history. Her character ranks as number two on /Film’s list of best Final Girls in the genre. However, before Neve Campbell took on the role, another actress was originally cast as Sidney — Drew Barrymore. This choice could have easily shaped the franchise differently if Barrymore had not decided to switch roles.
Drew Barrymore, known as the It Girl of the 1990s, was an obvious choice for the lead. Her name alone would have drawn in audiences, and her early success in “E.T.” created a natural connection with viewers. The movie wouldn’t have needed to work hard to make her character likable because people already liked Drew Barrymore.
But during the early stages of production, Barrymore realized she didn’t want to play Sidney. Instead, she wanted to portray Casey Becker, the opening victim in one of the most suspenseful horror sequences ever filmed. In a 2011 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Barrymore shared her excitement about the script: “I just read the script one night at my house and I just said, ‘Oh my God, there hasn’t been anything like this for so long.’ I loved that it actually got tongue-in-cheeky, but it was still scary.”
A Bold Decision That Changed the Franchise
In a 2021 oral history from The Ringer, screenwriter Kevin Williamson explained how he wasn’t disappointed by Barrymore’s decision to switch roles; instead, he was thrilled. He had always envisioned a big name dying in the opening scene. “I wanted it to be this big, huge Janet Leigh moment,” he said. “And then when she dies, you're like, ‘Wait a second. Wasn’t she on the poster? Wait. What's going to happen next?’”
The studio was also enthusiastic about the idea. They were very good at keeping the secret, and they marketed the film as a Drew Barrymore movie. The marketing made it clear that Barrymore was the star, with her name appearing first on theater listings and her image on the poster.
A Masterclass in Misdirection
Barrymore’s decision to play Casey Becker became a pivotal element in the film’s success. Richard Potter, director of development at Dimension Films, recalled how the team quickly came around to the idea. “We're sitting around, you kind of see it dawn on each person: ‘No, that's a great idea,’” he said. “Because you're going to see the trailer and the commercials, and you're going to be sure she's the star of the movie. There's no way she's going to die. When she dies at the end of that sequence, you're going to go, ‘Anyone could die.’”
This twist proved to be one of the most effective in horror history. “Scream” wasn’t the first film to use such misdirection. In Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho,” Janet Leigh’s character, Marion, was featured prominently in the marketing but didn’t end up being the final girl. Her death came 48 minutes into the film, making it a bold narrative choice.
Another example is 1979’s “Alien,” where Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley is introduced in what seems like a supporting role for the first half-hour. Tom Skerritt received top billing, and he acts like a typical lead until the alien kills him. Unlike “Scream,” “Alien” keeps viewers guessing for much longer about who will survive, making it a more extreme example of misdirection.
The Legacy of a Clever Twist
While Barrymore’s role as Casey Becker was a brilliant move, “Alien” still holds the title for the most effective misdirection in horror. “Scream” makes it clear that Sidney is the new final girl almost immediately after she appears, whereas Ripley remains in the background for a significant time. This subtle difference shows how “Alien” committed more fully to the idea that anyone could die.
Ultimately, Barrymore’s decision helped shape the legacy of “Scream” and set a new standard for horror films. By turning the expected lead into a tragic opening victim, the film kept audiences on their toes and created a lasting impact on the genre.
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