Scream 7 - Cast, Director, Writer And More Info

The more we head into this new generation of "Scream" films, the more we see the parallels to the original trilogy. Like "Scream 2," "Scream 6" was rushed into production immediately after the success of its predecessor, with mixed results. Both of those films gave us some of the most exciting and suspenseful chase sequences of the whole series, but they also gave us two messy final acts, both of which probably could've been polished over script-wise if the production had been given a little more time. 

The parallels don't stop there: Just like the longer gap between "Scream 2" and "3," "Scream 7" is also set to take much longer to release in theaters than its predecessor. Similarly, both the third and seventh films were impacted by real-world events. After the tragic Columbine shooting in 1999, "Scream 3" was majorly retooled — from a complete change in plot to less gory kills. Horrific real-life events have also majorly affected "Scream 7," causing a drastic departure from what was originally intended. But what can we say about the film's cast and the people working behind the camera? Well, read on for everything we know so far about the controversial seventh installment.

You don't need a horror movie expert like Mindy Meeks-Martin to tell you there have been a ton of behind-the-scenes shake-ups with "Scream 7." The news stories have dominated headlines, with the film losing its two main stars and its director before finding a new way forward. It's a strange time to live in Woodsboro, to be sure.

Originally, Ghostface was supposed to make his grand, gory return in 2025. But will "Scream 7" still hit that very wide release window? Well, even though the movie has suffered multiple setbacks (keep reading for more info), Variety reports that 2025 is still feasible. After all, the "Scream" movies are lean and mean — you just need some sly meta commentary, a few likable actors, and someone who can wear a freaky-looking mask — as opposed to being a CGI extravaganza that could get mired down in post-production. Despite all the drama, it's very possible that we'll see "Scream 7" in the near future.

The fifth and sixth "Scream" movies both revolved around the "Core Four," a group of close-knit Ghostface survivors played by Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding. Unfortunately, neither Ortega nor Barrera are coming back. 

In November 2023, it was announced that Melissa Barrera had been removed from "Scream 7" due to comments surrounding the Gaza-Israel conflict. Shortly afterward, it was reported that Ortega wouldn't be reprising her role as Tara Carpenter due to her commitment on the second season of "Wednesday." With the two lead characters of the new "Scream" movies gone, where is the franchise headed from here?

Well, OG "Scream" final girl, Neve Campbell, is coming back as Sidney Prescott. While Campbell passed on "Scream VI" due to a pay dispute, that evidently wasn't an issue this time around. As the actress explained on Instagram, "Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!! It's always been such a blast and an honor to get to play Sidney in the 'Scream' movies. ... 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."

She won't be the only series mainstay making a comeback either. Courteney Cox — who plays the indestructible Gale Weathers — is returning as the intrepid reporter. With Cox starring in the seventh film, she'll hold on to the title of "Only Actor Who's Appeared in Every 'Scream' Movie," not counting voice actor Roger L. Jackson's work as Ghostface. It's also possible that Patrick Dempsey will return as Detective Mark Kincaid. When asked about his involvement by Entertainment Tonight, a grinning Neve Campbell responded, "May-haps."

There aren't any confirmed details about what Ghostface is getting up to in "Scream 7," but we know that Neve Campbell will be taking center stage. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, the beloved scream queen explained, "We are going to follow Sidney. They did pitch the concept to me, and it's the reason that I jumped on board." The actress also compared the upcoming film to Jamie Lee Curtis returning as Laurie Strode to the "Halloween" franchise, and just like Laurie found herself defending her family against Michael Myers, Sidney Prescott might be keeping her kids safe from some knife-wielding psychos.

While still firmly in rumor territory, noted scooper Daniel Richtman reported in April 2024 that "Scream 7" was looking to cast two actors to play Sidney's kids. He also said that Sidney's husband would be involved, which means that Patrick Dempsey might return as Mark Kincaid, who we learned was married to Sidney in the fifth "Scream" installment. If the family is front and center, then that probably means they'll be the prime target of Ghostface. And we've seen what Sidney can do when it's just her life on the line — throw her family in there, and Ghostface doesn't stand a chance.

Before Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega dropped out of "Scream 7," the horror flick was set to be directed by Christopher Landon. The writer/director is well-stepped in the horror-comedy genre, having helmed some incredible slasher movies like "Happy Death Day" and "Happy Death Day 2U." Unfortunately, when his two stars exited the project and with controversy swirling around "Scream 7," Landon decided it was time to part ways with the film.

In December 2023, the filmmaker took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and announced his departure from the franchise. "It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare," he wrote. "And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But it's time to move on." The director then went on to say, "I have nothing more to add to the conversation other than I hope [Wes Craven's] legacy thrives and lifts above the din of a divided world."

So who's stepping in for Landon? Directing duties will go to the man who kicked off the entire franchise — Kevin Williamson. The "Scream" scribe penned the first, second, and fourth films, and he served as an executive producer on the fifth and sixth movies. As for the script, Guy Busick will be writing the screenplay, after co-authoring the previous two "Scream" movies and horror films like "Ready or Not."