Something About Change

The Setup

Sidney Prescott is back, now a college student trying to escape the trauma of Woodsboro. But Ghostface returns, and the sequel wastes no time reminding us that horror doesn’t protect anyone—especially not Black characters.

The opening scene is unforgettable: Maureen Evans (Jada Pinkett-Smith) and her boyfriend Phil Stevens (Omar Epps) go to a screening of Stab, the film-within-a-film based on the original massacre. What starts as playful commentary turns into a public execution. Maureen is stabbed in front of a cheering crowd, her screams mistaken for performance. It’s brutal, symbolic, and still hits hard.

The Survivor: Joel the Cameraman

Joel (Duane Martin) is Gale Weathers’ new cameraman, stepping into the chaos left behind by Kenny’s death in the first film. Joel is smart, observant, and most importantly—he knows horror rules.

* He clocks the danger early and refuses to be collateral damage.

* He literally says, “I’m gonna go get some coffee. If I’m not back in five minutes… come look for me.” Then he leaves.

* He survives the entire film. No chase scene. No jump scare. Just strategy.

Joel’s survival is iconic because it’s rare: a Black man in a slasher who sees the setup, reads the room, and exits stage left before the blade drops.

Why It Matters

* Joel’s Survival Is Legacy: He didn’t fight the killer—he avoided the setup. That’s brilliance.

* Maureen’s Death Is Commentary: Her murder in a theater full of people who don’t see her pain is still one of horror’s most chilling metaphors.

* Black Presence in Meta Horror: Scream 2 gave us multiple Black characters—but only one made it out. That speaks volumes.

The Legacy Moment

Joel’s decision to leave isn’t cowardice—it’s clarity. He knew the rules. He knew the risks. And he chose survival. In a genre that often punishes Black men for being smart, Joel flipped the script.

Unc Wisdom Closer

“Joel didn’t need a chase scene to prove his worth. He saw the setup, clocked the danger, and dipped. That’s not fear—that’s legacy.