10 Horror Movie Franchises That Stupidly Killed Off Their Best Character
2. Dewey Riley - Scream (2022)
Being a legacy sequel, 2022's Scream signalled the end for the original cast. As such, it made sense for a member of the original trio - Sidney Prescott, Gale Weathers, or Dewey Riley - to find themselves at the end of Ghostface's knife.
But why did it have to be Dewey? Although the former sheriff of Woodsboro was meant to die in the first instalment, his popularity urged the creators to bring him back.
Despite appearing in five movies, there was still plenty to explore with the character. Starting off as a happy-go-lucky upholder of the law, Dewey gradually morphed into a battered-down cynic, while still maintaining an instinct to protect others.
Gale, on the other hand, is... just Gale, which is why it would've been more sensible if she died in Dewey's place. Considering Gale brought little to the table in Scream VI further highlights that it was her time to go.
Worst of all, Dewey's death made him come across as foolish, not heroic. Despite being aware of "the killer isn't dead when they seem to be" trope, he fails to finish off Ghostface when he has a chance, allowing the masked maniac to end his life.