Casey Becker Costume Guide (Scream)

Published 2023-09-22 · Updated 2026-11-02

Casey Becker, played by Drew Barrymore, is the first victim in Scream (1996), and her opening scene is one of the most famous in horror. She's home alone making Jiffy Pop popcorn in a cream knit sweater and light jeans when the phone rings and a voice asks what her favourite scary movie is. That image, blonde bob, cream sweater, cordless phone, popcorn, is the whole costume.

It is a cheap, comfortable costume that horror fans recognise immediately, and it's the perfect other half to a Ghostface. For a group, add a Sidney Prescott, a Gale Weathers in a bright suit and a Randy in a video-store shirt.

At a glance

Difficulty: Very easy
Rough budget: $25–$70
Time to put on: 10 minutes
What people recognise first: Cream sweater + cordless phone + popcorn

What you need

Cream or off-white knit sweater — A slightly loose crew-neck knit in cream or oatmeal. This is the anchor piece.
Light-wash straight jeans — Mid-rise, light blue, 1990s cut.
Chin-length blonde bob wig — Casey's hair is a golden blonde cut to the chin with a slight flip. Skip it if your own hair matches.
1990s cordless phone prop — A big grey or white cordless handset with an antenna. A toy or a real vintage phone both work.
Jiffy Pop popcorn pan — The foil-domed stovetop pan. Buy a real one (unpopped) and carry it by the handle.
White socks or sneakers — She's barefoot in socks indoors; white socks with simple sneakers works for a party.
Fake blood (optional) — For the end of the scene. A little on the sweater is plenty.

How to put it together

Outfit

Put on the jeans and the cream sweater, sleeves pushed up slightly.
White socks and sneakers, or socks alone if you're indoors.
Fit the blonde bob and tuck one side behind the ear.

Props

Phone in one hand, held to the ear; Jiffy Pop in the other.
Keep makeup natural and fresh-faced, 1990s style: light blush, mascara, a nude-pink lip.

Optional 'after' version

Add streaks of fake blood on the sweater and a frightened expression.
If you have a Ghostface with you, re-stage the phone scene for photos.

About the character

Scream, directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, opens with Casey Becker alone in her house fielding calls from a stranger who turns the conversation from flirtation to a quiz about horror films, with her boyfriend's life at stake. Killing off the film's biggest star in the first twelve minutes was a deliberate shock, and the sequence is often cited as one of the best openings in the genre.

Drew Barrymore's outfit was chosen to look ordinary and comfortable, which is why it has become a costume: anyone can wear a cream sweater and jeans, and with a cordless phone and a pan of Jiffy Pop the reference is instant. The scene was revisited in later Scream films, keeping Casey's image current for new fans.

Frequently asked questions

What does Casey Becker wear in Scream?

A cream knit crew-neck sweater, light blue jeans and white socks, with her blonde hair in a chin-length bob. She holds a cordless phone and makes Jiffy Pop popcorn on the stove.

What is the popcorn in Scream?

Jiffy Pop, the stovetop popcorn in a foil pan that puffs up into a dome. The brand still exists, so you can carry a real one as a prop.

What's a good couples costume with Casey Becker?

Ghostface, in the black robe and white mask with a prop knife. The two of you can recreate the phone call. For a group, add Sidney Prescott, Gale Weathers and Randy Meeks.

Should I add blood to a Casey Becker costume?

Optional. The clean version is the one most people picture. A little fake blood on the sweater makes the horror reference clearer if you're not with a Ghostface.