Is Scream Finally Ready to Unleash its Queer Potential?

The Scream franchise, a cornerstone of modern horror, has always danced around queer themes. From the implied (and heavily debated) relationship between Billy Loomis and Stu Macher in the original to more recent attempts at representation, Scream's relationship with the LGBTQ+ community has been... complicated, to say the least.

A Legacy of Queer Subtext... and Missed Opportunities

Let's be honest, the subtext between Billy and Stu in the original Scream is practically screaming (pun intended!). Many fans and critics have interpreted their obsessive dynamic, their intertwined motives, and even their physical interactions as indicative of a repressed homosexual relationship. Screenwriter Kevin Williamson even confirmed that their queer-coded relationship was based on real gay killers. But was it enough?

Here's the rub: subtext, while appreciated, can be easily dismissed. As one fan pointed out, the lack of explicit confirmation allows bigots to "worm their way in" and deny the representation altogether. When queer representation is watered down to mere implication, it leaves too much room for interpretation, ultimately diluting its impact.

The Problem with Slasher Fodder

More recent installments have attempted to rectify this, introducing characters like Anika Kayoko and Mindy Meeks-Martin. However, these attempts have often fallen short. Anika, for example, was given minimal screen time before being sidelined. Mindy, while a more prominent character, was brutally attacked and left out of the final act of Scream VI. Is this truly progress?

The issue isn't simply about representation; it's about meaningful representation. Queer characters shouldn't just be added to the body count. They deserve compelling storylines, agency, and the chance to be more than just "slasher fodder."

Scream 5's Original Plan: A Missed Opportunity

Adding insult to injury, the original concept for Scream 5 envisioned Amber Freeman and Tara Carpenter as girlfriends. Imagine the possibilities! An openly queer final girl kicking ass and taking names in a Scream movie would have been a monumental victory for representation. Why was this concept abandoned?

Hope on the Horizon? Enter Christopher Landon

The upcoming Scream 7 offers a glimmer of hope. The franchise is switching hands, with Christopher Landon, an openly gay director known for his work in horror comedies like Happy Death Day and Freaky, taking the helm. Could this be the turning point Scream needs?

Landon's involvement could finally unlock Scream's full queer potential. He has the experience and the perspective to deliver authentic, nuanced representation that goes beyond surface-level gestures. He can bring the queer themes that have always been lurking beneath the surface into the forefront.

What Does True Queer Representation Look Like in Scream?

So, what should we expect from Scream 7? Here are a few thoughts:

Explicitly Queer Characters: No more coded relationships or implied orientations. Let's have characters who are openly and unapologetically queer.
Meaningful Storylines: Give queer characters arcs that extend beyond their sexuality. Their queerness should be a part of their identity, not their sole defining characteristic.
Agency and Survivability: Queer characters shouldn't just be victims. They should be capable, resilient, and able to fight back against Ghostface (and survive!).
Challenging Tropes: The horror genre is rife with harmful stereotypes. Scream 7 has the opportunity to subvert these tropes and create a more inclusive and nuanced representation of queer identities.

The Scream franchise has a chance to evolve, to move beyond its history of subtext and missed opportunities. With Christopher Landon at the helm, Scream 7 could be the film that finally delivers on the promise of meaningful queer representation. It's time to throw out the subtlety and coding and give us queer characters who are unashamedly queer, battling a masked killer (who, let's face it, probably still uses a landline). Will Scream 7 rise to the occasion? Only time will tell.

'I believe strongly that Stu was bisexual, and that in fact he felt something for Billy, and that was his motive.'

Looking Ahead: What's at Stake?

The stakes are high. Scream has a massive platform and a loyal fanbase. If the franchise can get queer representation right, it could have a significant impact on the horror genre and beyond. If it fails, it risks alienating a significant portion of its audience and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Ultimately, the success of Scream 7's queer representation will depend on its authenticity, its depth, and its commitment to creating characters who are more than just tropes. Let's hope Christopher Landon and the Scream team are up to the challenge.