Jack Quaid in Scream 5
Jack Quaid plays Wes Hicks, one of the new targets in Scream 5, which premiered in theaters on January 14, 2022. The film is the fifth installment in the Scream franchise and was directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. Quaid's character is the boyfriend of Tara Carpenter, played by Jenna Ortega, and he becomes entangled in the new Ghostface murder pattern across the fictional town of Woodsboro. The movie was produced by Spyglass Media Group and distributed by Paramount Pictures, with a reported production budget of approximately $24 million.
Scream 5 marked a soft reboot of the slasher series, introducing a new generation of characters while bringing back original cast members such as Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette. Jack Quaid's Wes is positioned as a loyal, protective figure who reacts to the escalating violence with a mix of fear and determination. The film earned approximately $137.6 million worldwide during its theatrical run, according to Box Office Mojo, making it a commercial success for the franchise. The cast was announced in 2020, with Quaid joining alongside Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding.
Character Profile: Wes Hicks
Wes Hicks is a central new character in Scream 5, defined by his close relationship with Tara Carpenter and his involvement in the Woodsboro killings. Jack Quaid portrayed Wes as a grounded, relatable young man who is thrust into the same survival scenario that defined the original 1996 Scream murders. The character's arc includes moments of panic, bravery, and moral conflict as he tries to protect Tara and uncover the identity of the new Ghostface killers.
Wes is not a legacy survivor from the original 1996 events, which distinguishes him from characters like Sidney Prescott or Gale Weathers. His storyline is tied directly to the new Ghostface mask and the rules of the updated killing game established by the film's directors. Jack Quaid brought a naturalistic performance style to the role, emphasizing the confusion and adrenaline of a teenager caught in a coordinated attack. The character's fate is shaped by the film's ensemble structure, where no single lead is guaranteed safety.
Scream 5 Production and Release
Filming and Development
Principal photography for Scream 5 began in September 2020 in Wilmington, North Carolina, with a planned release date that shifted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The screenplay was written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, and the project was greenlit by Spyglass Media Group after the success of the 2022 box office performance of the fourth film. Jack Quaid was confirmed as part of the cast alongside a mix of returning actors and new additions to the franchise.
Box Office and Reception
Scream 5 opened at number one at the U.S. box office, earning approximately $30 million in its first weekend, according to The Numbers. The film received mixed reviews from critics but was praised for its self-aware tone and return to the franchise's slasher roots. Jack Quaid's performance as Wes was noted for its authenticity and chemistry with co-star Jenna Ortega. The movie grossed over $137 million globally, solidifying its position as a profitable entry in the Scream series.
Key Production Details
The film was shot using the working title "Requiem" and was produced without direct involvement from series creator Wes Craven, who passed away in 2015. The soundtrack featured a mix of original score work and licensed tracks, supporting the film's modern horror aesthetic. Scream 5 was released in theaters simultaneously in the United States