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?
It was confirmed in October 2024 that Scream 7 is set to resume its killing spree on Friday, February 27, 2026. While some fans might be disappointed that it is not coming out earlier, appearing on the upcoming 2025 movie schedule, it is pretty cool that the sequel will be coming out in the year the franchise's original installment celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Neve Campbell Is Coming Back As Sidney Prescott
Scream VI was the first installment not to include one of horror cinema’s top Scream Queens, Neve Campbell, as Sidney Prescott, following a payment dispute. Thankfully, Scream 7 will see the official return of the franchise's original Final Girl, which Campbell confirmed with an Instagram photo of the sequel's script. When asked by ET if Scream 3's Patrick Dempsey would return as her husband, Det. Mark Kincaid, she replied, "Mayhaps."
Courteney Cox confirmed at the Inc. 5000 Conference (via Us Weekly) in October 2024 that we will see more of Gale Weathers in the sequel. When speaking to Variety, the former Friends cast member said that she wants to see David Arquette return as Dewey Riley, who was killed in the fifth installment. Speaking of resurrections, following countless questions regarding Stu Macher's return, Matthew Lillard told Fandom that even if he was in the next Scream, he "would lie direct to your face."
Melissa Barrera And Jenna Ortega Are Not Returning
While the full Scream 7 cast has yet to be announced, we know that Campbell and Cox will not be joined by two of the most recent installments' biggest stars. 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 reportedly due to her commitment to filming Wednesday Season 2 (which started production in April 2024) and completing the long-awaited Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which was released in September. However, a THR article from later 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 its early stages at the moment, so the MPA has not been able to see a finished cut. However, every installment of this beloved horror movie franchise 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, 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, starring 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. Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett – who are currently developing Ready or Not 2, a sequel to their 2019 instant horror-comedy movie favorite – are not directing this time but are still involved with Scream 7, alongside Villella, as executive producers.
The news that Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett were not at the helm di 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 first four installments are among the best horror movies on Max and Radio Silence’s “requels” are both available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription. However, 2022’s Scream is also one of the best horror movies on Netflix at the moment.
- Stream Scream on Max
- Stream Scream 2 on Max
- Stream Scream 3 on Max
- Stream Scream 4 on Max
- Stream Scream (2022) on Netflix
- 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.
