Scream 7 director Kevin Williamson returns to horror with a new TV series: an "adult Vampire Diaries" set in the Universal Monsters universe.
- March 29, 2026
AceShowbiz - Kevin Williamson, the director behind Scream 7, is already moving forward with a new secret television project that promises to excite fans of supernatural drama and classic horror. Known for shaping 90s horror films such as Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer, as well as hit teen dramas like Dawson's Creek and The Vampire Diaries, Williamson is returning to his horror roots with a fresh TV series in collaboration with Universal Studios.
In a recent interview with Esquire, Williamson revealed that this new project is a TV show set within the iconic Universal monster universe. He described the series as an "adult Vampire Diaries," highlighting that it will explore characters drawn from the legendary roster of Universal monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man. Williamson expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity to creatively engage with these timeless horror figures in a serialized format.
Universal Studios has long been synonymous with classic monster lore, having produced some of the most enduring horror franchises in cinematic history. Their monster catalog features Dracula, Frankenstein's Monster, The Mummy, The Invisible Man, The Bride of Frankenstein, The Wolf Man, and Creature from the Black Lagoon. This new TV series will continue that tradition by bringing these characters to life in a manner reminiscent of the acclaimed supernatural teen drama The Vampire Diaries.
The Vampire Diaries was a significant success for The CW, running for eight seasons with over 171 episodes. It launched with the network’s highest-viewed pilot and grew into a multi-billion-dollar franchise, spawning two spin-offs, The Originals and Legacies. The show focused on vampires but also incorporated various other supernatural beings, such as witches, werewolves, ghosts, sirens, and even mythical creatures like cyclopes in its spin-offs. Its enduring popularity has been boosted by availability on streaming platforms worldwide.
While details about Kevin Williamson’s upcoming Universal monster series remain limited, the comparison to The Vampire Diaries suggests viewers can expect a blend of drama, romance, and supernatural intrigue, featuring classic horror icons in a contemporary setting. This blend of adult themes with legendary monsters hints at a fresh take on the genre that aims to captivate both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Kevin Williamson’s involvement adds considerable weight to this project given his track record of creating beloved teen dramas with horror elements, as well as directing entries in the successful Scream franchise. After the release of Scream 7, which debuted on February 27, 2026, and runs for 114 minutes, Williamson has shifted his focus toward this television endeavor, which is currently in early development under Universal’s banner.
Universal’s classic monsters have seen numerous reinventions over the years, but this promises to be a bold new chapter, combining horror staples with serialized storytelling that appeals to adult audiences. Fans of supernatural dramas and horror franchises alike will be eager to see how Williamson reimagines these iconic characters in a modern TV landscape.
As of now, no official release date or casting information has been announced for the series. However, given Williamson’s description and Universal’s involvement, anticipation is building for a show that could revive and expand the legacy of these timeless monsters for a new generation.