Scream 5 brings back David Arquette as Dewey

(Image credit: Miramax/Dimension)

Scream 5 is bringing back a familiar face. David Arquette, who played Deputy Dwight ‘Dewey’ Riley in all four prior Scream movies, is set to return in the 2021 movie co-directed by Ready or Not directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett.

Arquette, who has found an unlikely second calling as a sporadic deathmatch wrestler since Scream 4’s release, is officially back (via Bloody Disgusting). That might quell Scream fans’ fears that next year’s instalment would be a retcon-heavy reboot.

In a statement, Arquette said: “I am thrilled to be playing Dewey again and to reunite with my Scream family, old and new. Scream has been such a big part of my life, and for both the fans and myself, I look forward to honoring Wes Craven’s legacy.”

It has also previously been reported that Neve Campbell is in talks to appear in Scream 5, meaning that two-thirds of Scream’s mainstays are likely locked in. It is unknown if Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers will be returning, however.

Beyond that, it’s unclear whether Scream 5 will be continuing the increasingly tangled story laid down by the first four slasher movies. Recently, nostalgia-heavy sequels – such as Terminator: Dark Fate and 2018’s Halloween – have chosen to forgo some of the less well-received entries in favour of being direct sequels the quote-unquote ‘classic’ chapters in their respective franchises.

Whether we’re set for a misty-eyed return to Woodsboro or not, it’s reassuring to know that the old Scream band is getting back together – news that will be music to the ears for those who like scary movies.

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at 12DOVE, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.