Courtney Cox went from being known as the beloved Monica Geller in Friends to the ruthless Gale Weathers in Scream. In a cover story from Variety, the star recalled this shift as she was able to deliver a performance for audiences that was unlike anything they had seen her in before.
People can see her today as both characters after the sitcom’s legacy and the horror films still slashing up the big screen almost 30 years later. Back in the ’90s, it was a different story. Courtney Cox had to write to Wes Craven to convince him she could go from Friends to Scream, to show that she could “be an absolute b—-.”
“I was known from Friends and Family Ties, known as the girl next door and sweet. I had to write to Wes Craven and write him a letter and say, ‘I know that you don’t think of me as this person, but trust me, I really can be an absolute b—-.”
Courtney Cox looks back fondly at Friends and Scream
When looking at her time as Gale Weathers, the star has nothing but positive things to say. For her, the reporter is such a “fun character.” Back in the early films, specifically the first, she was mean and selfish, which was a part of the fun for her. It was a breath of fresh air coming off as a sweetie in sitcoms.
Courtney Cox still had plenty of positive feelings toward Friends. It was the show that taught her the “importance of camaraderie” as they cast and crew grew close. It gives her good memories while being the show that brought her career to heights she never saw coming.
Scream VI will see the star come back as the only original star to return as Neve Campbell turned it down due to the inadequate offer for her to reprise her role as Sidney Prescott. Fans will also see Scream 4 star Hayden Panettiere return as a non-original legacy character. The survivors from Scream V return with newcomers Samara Weaving, Josh Segarra, Tony Revolori, and Dermot Mulroney. The film stabs into theaters on March 10.