10 Horror Movie Sequels That Totally Insulted Great Characters
1. Randy - Scream 2
Yes, Wes Craven’s best work is making another appearance on this list because, as great as the quadrilogy is (third instalment non-withstanding), the series really has trouble doing its characters justice across instalments. Whatever about Cotton Weary, who barely appeared in the first film, Randy was instrumental to the success of the original Scream.
His comic relief was much needed (particularly when it turns out that Matthew Lillard’s Stu isn’t as goofy as he initially appears), and in his monologue about horror movie rules, Randy delivers probably the film’s most iconic contribution to the slasher subgenre, adding a meta edge to proceedings which would go on to influence horror flicks to this day.
So, how was 1997’s sequel going to do this loveable character justice? Easy—just throw in an early scene where he’s in conversation with the most informal film class in history waxing lyrical about the nature of sequels, then bring him back into the fold by reminding viewers of his wit, loyalty, and persistent crush on series star and final girl extraordinaire Sidney Prescott.
Oh, and as the most informed horror fan in the franchise, make sure to have him brutally killed off in broad daylight. The fans will just love the fact that Randy, of all characters, doesn’t recognize a blatant trap and stumbles straight into it, and no one will consider this a glaring betrayal of the character.