Scream Queens Dynamic Duo
If you were alive in the 1990’s, especially if you were a teen, few women dominated the decade for you like Courteney Cox and Neve Campbell. Campbell starred in the successful Fox series Party of Five for all six of its seasons and a number of popular films including The Craft (1996) and Wild Things (1998). Cox, of course, starred in the mega hit sitcom Friends, which ran for ten seasons, and in multiple films during the decade as well including Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994) and Mr. Destiny (1990). Together, this dynamic duo starred in one of the most popular horror franchises of all time starting with 1996’s Scream and every single sequel that has followed for a total of five Scream films.
Ms. Campbell’s career had a modest beginning in television commercials, guest roles on TV series, and stage acting primarily in Canada. She also appeared on one episode of the hit Canadian sketch comedy The Kids In The Hall. As the 90’s rolled along, Campbell eventually landed the role of Julia Salinger on Party of Five. Soon enough she found herself cast in The Craft, caught the attention of Wes Craven, was asked to audition for the role of Sydney Prescott and, the rest is history. Campbell continued acting throughout the 90’s and 2000’s, appearing in independent films including the erotic drama When Will I Be Loved (2004) and studio films like 54 (1998).
Ms. Campbell is still active on the big and small screen, most recently appearing (perhaps for the final time) as Sydney Prescott in Scream (2022) and on the series The Lincoln Lawyer (2022). She also starred in the series House of Cards and guest starred or had recurring roles in shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Mad Men, The Simpsons, and Sea Wolf.
A new Scream film is in the works, but as of this writing, Campbell has not signed on to the project. There was apparently a dispute over her contract. Specifically, Campbell was not happy with the amount of money that she was offered and refused to do the film. She stated that “I couldn’t walk on set feeling that…..feeling undervalued and feeling the unfairness, or lack of fairness, of that.” Social media blew up over the issue and many of Campbell’s Scream co-stars came to her defense. Matthew Lillard stated “Why is a woman supposed to take less? Why wouldn’t you pay her more as the series goes on?” He went on to say, “She is the female lead of one of the most successful horror franchises. Infuriating.” Jamie Kennedy said, “Sydney Prescott is the center of Scream. Neve Campbell is the face of Scream. Ghostface chasing her through the entire series…..Neve is the final girl. It’s crazy that people behind the scenes are not paying money literally to the face of the franchise.” Hopefully we will see her return to the franchise.
Courteney Cox was a seasoned film and television veteran by the time that she portrayed Gale Weathers in the Scream franchise. Prior to both Scream and Friends, Cox appeared in a music video for Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 track Dancing In The Dark. She also had guest and recurring roles on a number of successful television shows, most notably on Family Ties, Murder, She Wrote, and Dream On. I remember her best on Misfits Of Science, a science fiction series that failed to catch on with audiences but Cox did manage to capture my heart in that show.
Cox also appeared in a number of my favorite films prior to her success in the 90’s. Although it bombed at the box office, I loved Masters of the Universe (1987), in which Cox starred alongside Dolph Lundgren, Frank Langella, and Chelsea Fields. She also starred opposite Jim Carrey in the ridiculous comedy hit Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. Cox continues to work in film to this day and has appeared in multiple successful films over the years including 3000 Miles To Graceland (2001), Barnyard (2006), and Bedtime Stories (2008). She has signed on to appear in the upcoming new Scream project anticipated to be released in 2023.
In 1994, Cox landed the role that made her a certified star. She portrayed Monica Gellar on Friends and shot to almost immediate stardom. After ten seasons on that series, Cox continued working in television as an actress, producer, and director. She guest starred on shows like Scrubs, Shameless, and Modern Family. She also appeared in, produced, and directed the popular series Cougar Town for all six of its seasons and starred in and produced the short-lived series Dirt. In addition to this work, Cox has been an executive producer on numerous projects.
Scream could have failed if it weren’t for the amazing acting abilities of both Campbell and Cox. The franchise is now knocking on thirty years and doesn’t seem to be losing any steam. I can’t wait for the next film in the series but I will be a bit sad that Campbell will not be in the film. In any case, both of these ladies have had amazing careers outside of horror and I highly recommend checking out their other work. See the Scream films and watch Campbell in Party of Five. As far as Courteney Cox goes, you can watch Friends (who hasn’t?), but I highly recommend looking up Cougar Town and seeking out an episode or two of Misfits of Science. You won’t regret it.
Ken's Alternate Universe! 