MTV ‘Scream’ Stabs Out Another Trailer, Gives Backstory to New Mask

MTV’s forthcoming Scream TV series has taken a curious choice to reboot the iconic franchise, new mask and all, but it seems copyright issues have created a new backstory for one of the horror classic’s most enduring images. Get the story on the new Scream mask, and watch drunk teenagers murdered in a brand-new trailer!

Where previously it was though that the new “Ghostface” mask owed to the original costume company’s copyright on the design, co-showrunner Jill Blotevogel talked to The Hollywood Reporter about the revamp, which works in the new killer’s backstory. Despite the all-new story however, Blotevogel went on to promise that the show’s spirit of meta-commentary would endure:

Our mask was a post-op surgical mask worn by a deformed teen who went on a murderous rampage two decades earlier. We tried to create a look that shared some basic DNA with the original Ghostface mask but meshed with our long-running mystery story that will power the series … Our killer likes to play games and wear masks in many ways — especially using technology — and is a chameleon of sorts.

The TV series is inspired by the meta-tone, humor and absolute love of horror showcased in the original movie series. It does not involve any of the same characters or situations. There is a masked killer, but not just a slashing killer with a simple bloodletting ambition. This killer is very much a part of the mythology and bigger mystery of the show.

Here’s how MTV describes the plot of the new series, premiering June 30:

After a cyber-bullying incident results in a brutal murder, the shocking violence stirs up memories of a killing spree from the past that has haunted some, intrigued others and maybe just inspired a new killer. A group of teens — with two old friends struggling to reconnect at its heart — become lovers, enemies, suspects, targets and victims of an assassin who’s out for blood.

The new TV series sees Jamie Travis directing scripts from Jay Beattie and Dan Dworkin, with Jill Blotevogel serving as showrunner, and Wes Craven, Marianne Maddalena and Cathy Konrad executive producing. Scream also stars Arrow alum Bex Taylor-Klaus, Bobby Campo, Connor Weil and Joel Gretsch

You can check out the latest Scream trailer above, but can a new story and look prove worthy of the original Scream name?