The Cult Classic Horror Film Scream was Based on A Real Life Florida Serial Killer

Wes Craven's 1996 horror classic Scream was loosely based on a real-life Florida serial killer named Danny Rolling who became known as "The Gainesville Ripper"

Depiction of Danny Rolling

It’s late at night in a small California town, and teen Casey Becker is home alone. Her phone rings, and she happily answers the call from an unknown number. The call begins peculiarly, but the unknown caller does not make any threats. Casey insists they’ve dialed the wrong number and hangs up the phone. The unknown caller rings the phone again, and again Casey hangs up.

Finally, she gives in, entertaining a conversation with the stranger while making popcorn. Casey tells the unknown caller that she is about to watch a scary movie, and they discuss their favorite horror films. The caller asks for her name again, and when Casey asks why he wants to know her name, the caller replies “I want to know who I’m looking at.”