Mason Gooding Shares His Thoughts on the ‘Scream King’ Title and Leading with Grace in James Van Der Beek’s Last Film
Rising Star Mason Gooding Discusses His Roles in I Want Your Sex and Scream 7
Mason Gooding continues to make waves in the entertainment industry with his recent appearances in Gregg Araki’s I Want Your Sex and the latest installment of the Scream franchise. As he reflects on what has already been a significant year, Gooding expresses enthusiasm for the roles he has taken on and the impact they have had on his career.
“I grew up with a certain affinity for horror and genre storytelling,” Gooding explained. “I feel that my natural love for these stories—with their underlying sentimentality amidst all the bombast—is what compels me both as an audience member and an artist. It helps certain tales transcend generations and resonate regardless of personal experience.”
His passion for the horror genre is evident, though he admits that the title of “Scream King” comes with its own pressures. “I appreciate the label, but I feel there’s so much more I want to accomplish as an artist,” Gooding noted. “I’m trying my best to live up to it.”
Recently, Gooding worked alongside James Van Der Beek in The Gates, a thriller set in a gated community where three young Black men inadvertently become witnesses to a murder. “It was a challenge to stay present while filming, especially in the fast-paced environment,” he said. "Working with James, who is both seasoned and generous, encouraged my growth as an artist."
Gooding elaborated on the film’s thematic depth, touching on issues involving authority and community. “The story dives into how the antagonist misuses belief and faith to manipulate the community, ultimately targeting the three young men who were simply trying to find their way home,” he explained.
The actor will also reprise his role as Chad Meeks-Martin in Scream 7, which is currently in theaters. Reflecting on his return, he expressed a sense of loss over the absence of cast members Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. “There’s an inherent grief in returning to a family-oriented project without those key players,” he said. Gooding views his role as supporting the existing world that the franchise has built, especially with the timelines of the series becoming increasingly significant.
He mentioned the excitement of weaving original characters back into the narrative, particularly with the return of Neve Campbell. "It was thrilling to discuss how to integrate her character in a way that felt fresh and meaningful," Gooding said.
The conversation also touched on potential future projects, including speculation around Scream 8, with Gooding admitting that while he hasn’t been part of those discussions, he is intrigued by what might inspire the continuation of the series.
On a lighter note, Gooding is also set to appear in the comedy 72 Hours, where he portrays a groom whose bachelor party goes hilariously awry after an unintentional invitation is sent to Kevin Hart, who plays the character Joe. “Working alongside Kevin is a masterclass in comedy, which lightens the load for me,” Gooding shared with a laugh.
As he moves forward in his career, Gooding reflects on his upbringing—his father is a well-known actor—and the guidance he received. “He encouraged me to study psychology and writing, emphasizing the importance of understanding humanity, which has greatly influenced my craft."
With his diverse array of projects and keen insights into storytelling, Mason Gooding is undoubtedly carving out a distinctive path in Hollywood, eager to explore new narrative horizons while honoring the genres that have shaped him.
