Rumors of the Scream movies spawning a seventh installment had been swirling around since even before Scream VI was released. However, when the most recent sequel to one of the greatest horror movies of all time hit a franchise milestone as the first to surpass $100 million domestically and became the highest-grossing installment yet, Scream 7 became an extremely likely prospect.
Earlier in 2023, the call was officially made for Ghostface to make yet another killing. So, how soon can we expect it, who from the cast might come back, and who is the villain behind the mask this time? Looks like we are getting a little too far ahead of ourselves speculating over this upcoming horror movie. For now, let’s just focus on what we can say about Scream 7.
What Is The Scream 7 Release Date?
At the moment, Scream 7 does not have a set release date, but we do know that the slasher sequel is in active development. An article by The Hollywood Reporter from August 2023 details that, following the box office success of Scream VI, the next installment of one of the greatest horror movie franchises was given the official go-ahead from Spyglass Media Group, which also produced the fifth installment from 2022.
Neve Campbell Is Coming Back As Sidney Prescott
The critical and commercial success of Scream VI actually came as a bit of a surprise, considering it was the first installment to not include one of horror cinema’s top Scream Queens, Neve Campbell, as Sidney Prescott, following a dispute over payment. Well, thankfully, Scream 7 will see the official return of the franchise's original Final Girl, which Campbell confirmed herself in an Instagram post featuring a photo of the sequel's script.
This news follows a report from November 2023 by Variety which suggested Spyglass was reaching out to Campbell about reprising her role, along with Scream 3’s Patrick Dempsey as her husband, Det. Mark Kincaid. The former Grey’s Anatomy cast member had actually just returned to the horror genre in Eli Roth’s Thanksgiving and, once again, in the role of a cop. Whether or not Dempsey has responded remains unconfirmed for now.
Melissa Barrera And Jenna Ortega Are Not Returning
While the full Scream 7 cast has yet to be announced, we know that Campbell will not be joined by two of the most recent installments' biggest stars. Also in November 2023, Variety reported that Melissa Barrera was fired by Spyglass and, the following day, Deadline reported that Jenna Ortega is not expected to come back for the sequel either.
Though there have been rumors, there is no confirmed connection between why the actors – who led the "Core Four" as sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter – are leaving the franchise. A Spyglass rep claims Barrera's social media comments criticizing seemingly one-sided war coverage of the Israeli-Hamas war and allusions to the Holocaust were interpreted as antisemitic. Ortega's voluntary exit was reported as due to Scream 7's still unfinished script and her commitment to filming Wednesday Season 2 and completing the long-awaited Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, as well. However, a THR article from later in November claims that Spyglass refused to give the X star a higher pay raise.
What Is Scream 7 Rated?
As established, Scream 7 is in the early stages of development at the moment, so the MPA has not been able to see a finished cut. However, every Scream movie so far has received an R rating and we would be surprised if this sequel was any different.
Kevin Williamson Is Directing Scream 7
Along with her personal announcement that she reprising Sidney in Scream 7, Neve Campbell's Instagram post also confirmed that another franchise veteran is coming back in a big way. Kevin Williamson, who penned the 1996 original and the second the fourth chapters, is the sequel's new director.
This marks the writer's first time helming a Scream installment, but his second directorial effort ever — the first being 1999's comedic thriller, Teaching Mrs. Tingle, staring Dawson's Creek cast member Katie Holmes. The position was previously filled by Christopher Landon until the controversy surrounding Barrera and Ortega's exits — which he described as a "nightmare" — led him to back out.
Radio Silence Is Executive Producing
Following Wes Craven’s passing Radio Silence became the main creative force behind 2022’s Scream and Scream VI, with Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett directing and Chad Villella producing. The trio – also known for 2019’s instant horror-comedy classic Ready or Not – are not directing this time, having previously signed on for a new monster movie for Universal Studios (also starring Melissa Barrera) that was later revealed to be called Abigail when its trailer debuted in January 2024. However, they are still involved with Scream 7 as executive producers.
The otherwise exciting news of Radio Silence’s Universal monster movie (about kidnappers discovering their "young" prisoner is a vampire) did, however, have some people bummed – including our own Corey Chichizola, who loved their approach to resurrecting the Scream franchise. Thus, it is relieving to see the trio still somewhat involved with the upcoming installment – a film they are likely relieved is happening at all, considering Bettinelli-Olpin’s following response to Deadline when asked about the potential for another sequel:
We hope. We want to be watching Scream movies whether we're involved or not for the rest of our lives.
How To Watch The Scream Movies So Far
It would be best to catch yourself up on the ongoing story of this long-running, classic horror franchise before you see Scream 7. Luckily, it looks like you will have plenty of time.
The original trilogy are only available as digital rentals at the moment, but Scream 4 is among the best horror movies on Max and Radio Silence’s “requels” are both available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription, while 2022’s Scream is also one of the best horror movies on Hulu.
- Rent or buy Scream on Amazon.
- Rent or buy Scream 2 on Amazon.
- Rent or buy Scream 3 on Amazon.
- Stream Scream 4 on Max.
- Stream Scream (2022) on Hulu.
- Stream Scream (2022) on Paramount+.
- Stream Scream VI on Paramount+.
The story is far from over, so be sure to follow the rules and keep your eyes peeled for more updates on Scream 7.
