It’s not surprising to see new Netflix releases skyrocket to the top of the charts, and the same goes for fan-favorite movies from the past. Scream, not to be confused with the 1996 film of the same name, hit the platform in time for Halloween and immediately started climbing the charts. This Scream, released in 2022, is the fifth entry in the long-running horror franchise. It stars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega in an ensemble cast that also includes Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette.
As Halloween draws near, it’s unlikely that Scream will drop off the top 10 beforehand. What’s important to know if you’re a newcomer to the franchise is that this isn’t the first entry despite being named as such. This Scream has numerous references to what came before, including the reveal of the killer from the first film. You can jump right in and understand things for the most part, but it’s definitely an experience you’ll get more out of if you’ve watched the previous entries.
Scream was followed up in 2023 with Scream VI, with much of the cast returning, except for Campbell who couldn’t come to terms on a contract. Campbell will once again be reprising her role as Sidney Prescott in the upcoming Scream 7, which is being directed by original Scream writer Kevin Williamson.
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Scream 7 Finally Lands a Release Date
Neve Campbell returns for the seventh installment, which is being directed by Scream creator Kevin Williamson.
What Does the Future of Scream Look Like?
Although Campbell’s Sidney Prescott was missing from Scream VI, she was still referenced, so the door was always open for her to return. In March 2024, Campbell made it official in an Instagram post, and shocked fans with the announcement.
“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. And now it’s happening, Kevin Williamson is going to direct ‘Scream 7‘!”
Williamson replaced Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, also known as Radio Silence, who directed Scream and Scream VI. Plot specifics are still under wraps, so fans will have to wait a little longer to find out more. As of right now, it looks like the story of the Carpenter sisters, portrayed by Ortega and Barrera, has been put on hold. Depending on what the writers decide to do with their characters, there’s a chance we could see their stories picked back up again down the road. Cox revealed she hasn’t signed on for the sequel yet, but it’s tough to imagine a Scream movie without her.