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| “ | But really it was the best choice for the movie. | „ |
| ~ Richie to Sam Carpenter and his most famous quote. |
Richard "Richie" Kirsch is the main antagonist of the 2022 slasher film Scream and the overarching antagonist of its 2023 sequel Scream VI.
He is a devout fan of the in-universe film franchise Stab who plotted a killing spree alongside his lover and partner Amber Freeman in order to make a new sequel for the series in their own image. He is Sam Carpenter's boyfriend-turned-archenemy, Wayne Bailey's son, and the older brother of Ethan Landry and Quinn Bailey.
He was portrayed by Jack Quaid.
What Makes Him a Base Breaking Character?[]
What Do People Like About Him?[]
- Richie’s character is a critique of obsessive fan culture, which resonates with fans who see him as a reflection of how toxic fandoms can influence media in negative ways.
- His lighthearted and seemingly clueless personality makes his eventual reveal as Ghostface more shocking, adding an extra layer of suspense and surprise to the story.
- Most people love his actor, Jack Quaid who also played Hughie Campbell from The Boys.
- By focusing on his love for the Stab franchise, Richie provides a modernized motive that mirrors real-world fandom culture, appealing to audiences who appreciate Scream’s willingness to evolve with the times.
- playful and manipulative personality makes Richie a distinct and memorable character within the franchise, adding a unique twist to the archetype of the Ghostface killer.
What Do People Hate About Him?[]
- Some fans find his obsession with Stab to be a shallow reason for murder, especially compared to previous killers who had deeper psychological or personal motives.
- Richie’s humorous and goofy demeanor makes him seem less intimidating, leading some fans to see him as more of a parody than a true horror villain.
- While some appreciate the modern meta-commentary, others feel Richie’s character is too direct in its critique of fandom, making it feel forced and less impactful than the series’ past meta elements.
- Richie’s concept as a charming, obsessive boyfriend-turned-killer feels like a rehash of Billy Loomis, making him seem unoriginal to fans who wanted a fresh take on Ghostface.
- For fans familiar with Scream’s patterns, Richie’s reveal as Ghostface can feel predictable, especially with his boyfriend role mirroring past killers, which lessens the impact of his twist.
- Some fans think that "The Boyfriend" trope has been done several times before and he brought nothing new to the table since he was too similar to Billy Loomis, and fans often compare him to classic Ghostface killers like Billy Loomis and Stu Macher.
External Links[]
- Richie Kirsch on the Villainous Benchmark Wiki
- Richie Kirsch on the Hate Sink Wiki
- Richie Kirsch on the Villains Wiki
- Richie Kirsch on the Scream Wiki