Courteney Cox is unquestionably “excited” that Kevin Williamson is directing Scream 7, but the actress has yet to ink a deal confirming her own official return as Gale Weathers. “You can’t get better than that choice,” Cox said of Williamson helming the new Scream sequel during an appearance at this year’s Rock4EB! charity fundraiser. “It’s going to be fun.” Nonetheless, despite her enthusiasm, Cox hasn’t signed on to reprise perhaps her most famous role. The actress also said while appearing at the event over the weekend (per Variety):
I’m not officially signed on. I’m not, but there will be a ‘Scream 7.’
Williamson famously wrote the screenplay for the original Scream back in 1996, which was directed by the legendary filmmaker, Wes Craven. Williamson has remained tied to the horror series over the years, but he only served as an executive producer on Scream (2022) and Scream VI.
But during Williamson’s creative absence, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s, aka Radio Silence, first stab at the saga made the ghastly mistake of killing off a fan-favorite, Dewey Riley, who was portrayed perfectly by David Arquette. Despite his character’s death, though, Arquette’s Scream co-star and ex-wife in real life, Cox, wants the once ditzy deputy to return in the upcoming sequel. Cox said during the same interview:
I understand the reasons they did it [killed Dewey], but whoa! Talk about a missed character. Dewey is so loved by ‘Scream’ fans. They have to figure it out.
Neve Campbell Is Officially Returning
Back in March, unnamed sources revealed that Courteney Cox was “in talks” for Scream 7. And now, some six months later, the actress doesn’t seem any closer to inking a deal than she was back in the spring. Cox’s character Gale Weathers was the only survivor who appeared in the original Scream (1996) to show up in all the film series’ subsequent sequels.
But while Cox’s return is still up in the air, Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott is officially returning after being noticeably absent from Scream VI due to a salary dispute. Campbell revealed her involvement back on March 12 when she posted an image of the screenplay with Kevin Williamson’s name on the cover as the director. Campbell wrote (via Instagram):
“Hi All. I’m so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!! It’s always been such a blast and an honor to get to play Sidney in the Scream movies. My appreciation for these films and for what they have meant to me, has never waned. I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!!
Well actually I could. While I’ve been so incredibly lucky to make these films with both the master of horror Wes Craven and the wonderfully talented Matt and Tyler team, I’ve dreamt for many years of how amazing it would be to make one of these movies with Kevin Williamson at the helm.”
Campbell’s Instagram post continues, as the actress writes (below):
“And now it’s happening, Kevin Williamson is going to direct Scream 7! This was his baby and it’s his brilliant mind that dreamt up this world. Kevin is not just an inspiration as an artist but has been a dear friend for many years. To the amazing Scream fans, I hope you are as excited as I am. See you on set @kevwilliamson”
Another Scream star is rumored to appear in the upcoming sequel. According to Hollywood insider Daniel Richtman, Patrick Dempsey will also be reprising his role from Scream 3: Detective Mark Kincaid. As revealed in Scream (2023), Mark and Sidney (Campbell) are now married. And if the rumors turn out to be true, Ghostface will not only be targeting these Scream survivors, but their children, too!
While an official release date hasn’t been announced yet, fans should expect
Scream 7
to hit theaters in
2025
or
2026
at the latest. And be sure to check out Gale Weathers big scene from
Scream VI
(below):