Ever wondered who is the real terror behind the Ghostface mask? The chilling answer is that it's not just one person, but a sinister parade of individuals who have donned the iconic disguise, each with their own twisted motives.

The "Scream" franchise, a brainchild of Kevin Williamson and the late Wes Craven, has masterfully terrified audiences since its debut. The enduring appeal of Ghostface lies not only in the eerie mask itself, inspired by Edvard Munch's "The Scream," but also in the mystery of who's lurking beneath. Across six films and a television series, numerous characters have taken on the mantle of Ghostface, creating a complex web of suspicion and betrayal. What makes the series exceptional is the fact that with the exception of scream 3, there is always more than one killer behind the mask.

Category	Information
Name	Roger L. Jackson
Age	65 (as of January 1, 2024)
Occupation	Voice Actor
Years Active	1980s Present
Notable Role	Voice of Ghostface in the "Scream" franchise
Other Voice Work	Numerous video games, television shows, and films
Additional Information	Known for his distinctive and menacing voice, which has become synonymous with the Ghostface character.
Website	Roger L. Jackson IMDB Profile

The brilliance of the "Scream" movies lies in the double-killer trope, a formula that keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Each film presents a new pair of murderers, their identities carefully concealed beneath the Ghostface mask. Even the actors themselves were often kept in the dark, as was the case during the production of "Scream 5" and "Scream 6," to prevent leaks and maintain the element of surprise. This cloak-and-dagger approach mirrors the original "Scream," where stunt performers often wore the mask to further obscure the killers' identities from the cast.

The voice behind the terror, however, remains constant. Roger L. Jackson has voiced Ghostface in every installment, his chilling delivery a signature element of the franchise. Regardless of who's behind the mask, Jackson's voice is the one that taunts, threatens, and ultimately terrifies the victims over the phone. His performance is so integral to the character that it transcends the individual killers, becoming a distinct and unsettling presence throughout the series.

In "Scream" (1996), directed by Wes Craven, the concept of dual killers was revolutionary. As fans grappled with the revelation of Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard) and Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) as the culprits, questions arose: when was it Stu, and when was it Billy? The film cleverly played with audience expectations, creating a sense of unease and paranoia that permeated every scene.

Craven's keen eye for detail extended to the Ghostface mask itself. The writer noted that Craven immediately recognized the mask's resemblance to Munch's iconic painting, "The Scream," a connection that added another layer of depth to the character. The mask, with its elongated face and gaping mouth, became a symbol of existential dread, perfectly embodying the themes of fear and isolation that run throughout the franchise.

Over the years, the Ghostface mask has undergone several variations. In the original film, the mask was paired with a sparkly Lurex fabric robe featuring square arm tatters and pointed frills on the bottom edges. Two versions of the mask were used: the popular "Fantastic Faces" mask, a sought-after collectible even today, and the "KNB mask," created by KNB EFX Group. Only seven KNB masks were made, some of which were even cut up during filming, adding to their rarity and mystique.

The "Scream" franchise has continued to evolve, even after the death of Wes Craven in 2015 and the departure of Neve Campbell, the longtime star of the series. "Scream 5" (2022) introduced a new generation of characters while staying true to the core elements of the franchise. And, of course, a new killer, or killers, emerged from under the ghostface mask.

The latest installment, "Scream 6," demonstrates that the franchise is not letting up on it's tradition of a group of killers. The bodega scene in "Scream VI," where Bailey is behind the Ghostface mask, is a great scene in the film and one of the scariest Ghostface moments in the franchise. Furthermore, Bailey did something no Ghostface has ever done, which is to use a gun as his main weapon instead of a knife (all other Ghostfaces have only used a gun after they've been unmasked).

The list of characters who have donned the Ghostface mask is a testament to the franchise's enduring appeal. Each killer brings their own motivations and methods to the role, adding new layers to the Ghostface mythology.

One notable, albeit less conventional, portrayal of Ghostface came in "Scream 4," where Dane Farwell received official recognition as the actor behind the mask. This acknowledgement gave audiences a deeper appreciation for the skill and artistry involved in bringing the killer to life. Farwell's performance, combined with Roger L. Jackson's chilling voice work, created a truly terrifying and unforgettable character.

Jackson's influence extends far beyond the film franchise. He also voiced Ghostface in the 2019 "Scream" television series and various video games, solidifying his place as the definitive voice of the iconic killer. His commitment to the role has ensured that Ghostface remains a consistent and terrifying presence across all media.

The Ghostface mask itself has become a cultural phenomenon, spawning numerous variations and parodies. From "The Patriot" to "Pumpkin," "Pride" to "Blood," and even a "Dead by Daylight" Ghostface mask, the image has been adapted and reinterpreted in countless ways. Older Ghostface mask variations from 2018 and 2017, as well as masks from the "Scream" television series, are readily available at horror marketplaces, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the franchise.

MTV's adaptation of the movie franchise ran for three seasons, introducing a new cast of characters and storylines. While the series differed from the films in tone and style, it still retained the core elements of the "Scream" mythology, including the Ghostface mask and the mystery surrounding the killer's identity.

The "Scream" franchise is a masterclass in suspense and misdirection. The decision to conceal the killer's identity is a key element of this. Whether it's Stu or Billy, Richie Kirsch or Jason Carvey, the unmasking of Ghostface is always a shocking and cathartic moment. Roger L. Jackson, the voice of Ghostface, has returned to play the killer in the DLC of the video game as well. His iconic voice, combined with the ever-changing faces behind the mask, ensures that Ghostface will continue to haunt the dreams of moviegoers for years to come.

The enduring mystery of who's behind the mask is central to the series' success. The question of when Stu was behind the mask and when it was Billy in the original "Scream" continues to be debated by fans. Similarly, the motivations and identities of the Ghostface killers in the subsequent films remain a source of fascination and speculation.

One of the defining characteristics of Ghostface is the phone calls made to victims. These calls, delivered in Roger L. Jackson's chilling voice, serve to taunt, threaten, and psychologically torment the targets before the inevitable attack. The combination of the masked figure and the menacing voice creates a sense of dread and helplessness, amplifying the horror of the situation.

In conclusion, the "Scream" franchise has cemented Ghostface as a horror icon. The combination of the eerie mask, the chilling voice of Roger L. Jackson, and the ever-changing identities of the killers have created a lasting legacy of terror. The mystery of who's behind the mask is a central element of the series' appeal, ensuring that audiences will continue to be captivated by the "Scream" franchise for generations to come. As major spoilers, Billy is behind the Ghostface mask half of the time.