Craig Shoemaker Shares $34 Residual from 1997 Scream 2 and Fans React
Who knew a $34.09 residual could spark a wave of chuckles and commentary? On June 17, 2026, stand‑up comedian and actor Craig Shoemaker posted a photo of the check on Instagram, captioning it with a wink: "The residuals keep rolling in, baby! What should I buy with my 34 bucks?" The actor, 61, added a playful note about his tiny role in the 1997 horror sequel Scream 2: "In 1997 I was cast in the role of the film professor in the sequel of the original Scream movie, Scream 2, where I lead a conversation in class about film sequels." His comment was meant as a joke, and he later replied to a critical comment with, "How about none of the above, and the rage inside of you is the only baiting? Lol." When a fan pointed out that the amount was before taxes, Shoemaker responded, "S–t, I didn’t think about that. I’m down to a hotdog and a lemonade now."
Shoemaker’s role was brief but memorable. According to IMDb, he played an “Artsy Teacher” who delivers a lecture on film sequels—a perfect setup for a quick, witty cameo. Scream 2, directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, hit theaters on December 12, 1997 under Dimension Films. It follows Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell, as she navigates Windsor College while a new Ghostface killer stalks her. The cast also boasted David Arquette, Courteney Cox, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jamie Kennedy, Laurie Metcalf, Jerry O’Connell, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Liev Schreiber. The film pulled in $172 million worldwide and received generally positive reviews.
The Scream saga began with the 1996 original, featuring Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, and has since expanded to seven installments, with Scream 7 premiering in February 2026. The franchise has grossed over $1.1 billion globally—a testament to its enduring appeal.
Residuals—payments actors, writers, and other contributors receive when a film is broadcast, released on home media, or licensed to streaming services—can keep trickling in for years. Shoemaker’s Instagram post reminds us that even modest residuals can become a conversation starter. While $34.09 pales in comparison to a lead actor’s paycheck, it showcases the long‑term nature of these payments.
Fans reacted with a mix of humor and critique. One follower wrote, "So you had a bit part in one sequel of a multi‑movie franchise a quarter‑century ago. Not sure if you rage baiting or legit bitching," to which Shoemaker replied, "How about none of the above, and the rage inside of you is the only baiting? Lol." Another comment read, "Better than nothing," and Shoemaker answered, "S–t, I didn’t think about that. I’m down to a hotdog and a lemonade now."
The incident also shone a light on the broader Scream franchise. In 2022, Neve Campbell announced she would not appear in the sixth film due to a salary dispute, and in 2023, Melissa Barrera was fired from Scream 7 after controversial remarks about the Israel‑Hamas war. These events, coupled with the series’ continued popularity, underline the franchise’s staying power.
Shoemaker’s light‑hearted post serves as a reminder that residuals, while often modest, can still bring a sense of pride—and a dash of humor—to actors who helped shape iconic films.
