UPDATE: A fierce legal battle is unfolding as the highly anticipated film Scream 7 approaches its release date on February 27, 2024. Studios Paramount and Spyglass are embroiled in a lawsuit with SFX studio Alterian Ghost Factory over the rights to the iconic Ghostface mask, a central figure in the franchise.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Paramount and Spyglass are taking urgent action to preemptively file a court order against Alterian, aiming to halt any copyright infringement claims before they can disrupt the film’s upcoming launch. The studios argue that Alterian has long neglected its alleged rights to the Ghostface mask, which has been a staple of the franchise for over three decades.
The Ghostface mask, originally developed for Halloween by Fun World in the early 1990s, became an integral part of the Scream series after being discovered by producer Marianne Maddalena. It has been featured in every film except the MTV adaptation, making its legal ownership a contentious issue.
Alterian claims it created the design before Fun World licensed it to Paramount, asserting that this gives them rightful ownership. However, Paramount’s complaint contends that Alterian’s lack of legal action over the years forfeited any claim to the mask, stating, “It has never legally established that it owns the rights to the Ghostface mask.”
This legal skirmish is intensifying as the release date looms, with Paramount describing Alterian’s actions as an “outrageous attempt to shake down” the studios just weeks before the film’s debut. The outcome of this case could have significant implications not only for the release of Scream 7 but also for the future of the franchise.
As the situation develops, fans and industry watchers are left to wonder how this legal drama will impact one of horror’s most beloved franchises. The court’s decision could determine who truly owns Ghostface and set a precedent for how iconic characters are treated in the film industry moving forward.
With Scream 7 set to hit theaters soon, all eyes are on this unfolding legal battle. Will the franchise’s legacy be threatened by a courtroom showdown? Stay tuned for updates as this urgent story develops.
