whose gruesome acts inspired the blockbuster horror film. Courtesy discovery+.
“Do you like scary movies?” Such an innocent question quickly became one of the most popular horror movie catchphrases in history.
In fact, Scream is arguably one of the most successful horror movie franchises of all time. However, the real fright lies in its terrifyingly true roots –the horrific story of serial killer Danny Rolling, aka The Gainesville Ripper.
The newest installment in the Scream franchise is one of the first big horror movie releases in 2022. To coincide with its release, on Friday, January 14, discovery+ is launching a new installment in the Shocks Docs series: Scream: The True Story.
It reunites Steve Shippy and Cindy Kaza, who also starred together in the Ed Gein: The Real Psycho Shock Docs. Together they delve into the real-life horror of a murderer who believed he was possessed by a demon and whose gruesome crime spree inspired Scream.
Let’s take a closer look at what the newest Shock Docs will be about and the case that inspired it.
The Gainesville Ripper
Beginning in 1989, Danny Rolling stalked and murdered eight victims in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Gainesville, Florida, including five college students.
Rolling claimed he was possessed by a demon named “Gemini” when he committed his crimes. He was eventually convicted and executed in 2006.
What to Expect from the Scream Shock Docs
The docu-special includes a groundbreaking paranormal investigation, archival media, and expert interviews to take a closer look at the alleged diabolical forces involved. Will it also reveal if Rolling’s spirit still lurks in the shadows?
That’s what paranormal investigator Steve Shippy and renowned psychic medium Cindy Kaza join forces to try and uncover. Will they discover that Rolling’s claims that a demon made him kill are true?
Shippy and Kaza are the first to ever conduct a paranormal investigation at the campsite near the University of Florida campus from which Rolling stalked his victims. They also travel to his childhood home in Louisiana, where aggressive poltergeist activity plagues the current homeowners.
Interviews with experts and those connected to the case, including Rolling’s ex-fiancée, reveal that evil has run in his family for generations. A powerful malevolent energy confronts Shippy and Kaza during their investigation. The question is: is it the demonic force that possessed Rolling, or the spirit of Rolling himself?
It gets so intense that they start fearing for everyone’s safety and call in a demonologist to conduct an exorcism to help battle off the evil forces.
“We all know the Scream films, but the inspiration behind them is a terrifying true story that many don’t know,” said Shippy. “As we began to peel back the layers, the investigation became more and more disturbing. There was a malicious, devious energy coming at us from every angle. It felt like pure evil.”
“This was one of the most intense and challenging experiences I’ve ever had,” said Kaza. “We made contact with a sinister presence, and it was definitely the most manipulative spirit that I have ever worked with. I felt like I was being messed with during the entire investigation. It shook me to my core.”
Scream: The True Story Trailer
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Check-In
Since it seems there may be a pattern developing here, what real-life case that inspired a horror movie would you like to see Shippy and Kaza investigate for the next Shock Docs series?
I say that because the Ed Gein case inspired movies likes Psycho and Silence of the Lambs. Now we’ve got the Rolling’s case and Scream. It seems reasonable to think the next one they work on will have a similar theme, right?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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How about the movie based on Henry Lee Lucas (Henry: Portrait of a Seral Killer)? The movie is actually too disturbing for me to watch all the way through. Michael Rooker (the actor) was so caught up in his role it’s as if the deceased Henry was affecting the personality actor.
I have never seen that movie. I remember when it was released. I seem to recall a lot of people described it as “disturbing” and for whatever reason I skipped it. But now you’ve piqued my interest! And I wonder if we will see that being investigated next because if you felt it was disturbing…these docs seem to go for the darkest of the dark. THANK YOU for your comment/knowledge sharing again!