Get unlimited access to everything VICE has to offer.

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

Turn off all ads on VICE.com

Exclusive New VICE Documentaries

Member Exclusive Features & Columns

4 Magazines Delivered to Your Door

The Terrifying True Story of the Serial Killer Who Inspired ‘Scream’

Before Ghostface terrified moviegoers, a real-life serial killer inspired the screenwriter behind the original Scream.

Share on X (Opens in new window)X

Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Facebook

Share using Native toolsShareCopied to clipboard

While house-sitting one night in 1994, aspiring screenwriter Kevin Williamson came across a TV documentary about Florida serial killer Danny Rolling (a.k.a. the Gainesville Ripper). The story scared Williamson enough on its own, but when he noticed a window in the house inexplicably open, he really freaked out. Williamson then called up a friend as he canvassed the area armed with a butcher knife. Their discussion soon shifted to fictional murderers like Freddy Krueger and Jason Voorhees, and the idea for Scream was born.

Although the movie wasn’t........

© Vice