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David Arquette Returning for ‘Scream 7’
David Arquette in Paramount Pictures “Scream.” Photo: Paramount Pictures.

Preview:
- David Arquette will be back as Dewey Riley ‘Scream 7.’
- He is returning in a “surprise” way.
- Original writer Kevin Williamson is directing.
From the sounds of it, legacy will be a heavy theme in ‘Scream 7.’ Not that the more recent outings of the franchise haven’t carried that, featuring younger relatives of some of the classic characters.
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But the new entry in the franchise, currently being shot by original writer Kevin Williamson in Georgia, has yet another link to the past, with Deadline reporting that David Arquette is back.

Arquette, of course starred as fan-favorite Deputy Dewey Riley, who first appears in the franchise’s original ‘Scream’ film as the older brother of Tatum Riley (Rose McGowan) and the clumsy police deputy trying to help solve the murders in their town of Woodsboro focused on Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell).

Tatum was the fifth victim of the Woodsboro Murders serial killers, which affected Dewey immensely.

Dewey, who also appeared in the other three original ‘Scream’ movies, eventually got his happy ever after, marrying Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers, though the pair were revealed to have divorced in the years leading up to 2022’s ‘Scream’ reboot, which continued the story.

Related Article: ‘Scream 7’: Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley to Return for New Movie

(L to R) David Arquette and Courteney Cox in Paramount Pictures “Scream.”

And to add insult to injury (actually, more like fatal stabbing injury to insult), Dewey is slaughtered by Ghostface (in this case, with Amber Freeman, played by Mikey Madison, in the disguise) in that film.

Yet we can now add him to the list of characters who will return in some reportedly “surprise” way following word of Matthew Lillard (Stu) and Scott Foley (Roman Bridger) coming back.

Both Stu and Roman were revealed in their respective films to be lurking under the Ghostface disguise (Stu working with Skeet Ulrich’s Billy Loomis) and trying to off Sidney. And both –– spoiler alert in case this is your introduction to the ‘Scream’ movie series –– are dead, Stu at the hands (and a handy TV to the head) of Sid and Roman shot by Dewey in ‘Scream 3.’

Still, we’ve seen ‘Scream’ characters return before; Billy himself shows up as a ghostly presence advising Melissa Barrera’s Sam Carpenter in ‘Scream VI.’

Campbell is back as Sid alongside fellow stalwart Cox, plus Mason Gooding as Chad Meeks-Martin and Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy Meeks-Martin, as well as newcomers Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, Sam Rechner and Anna Camp.

What’s the story of ‘Scream 7’?

Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

There are no details yet on what the latest film will feature, though given that Campbell is back as Prescott and May is playing her daughter, you know it’ll factor into their family.

One other element of that? The fact that Sidney is now married to a man named Mark Evans, who it was recently revealed, will be played by Joel McHale.

What has happened with ‘Scream 7’ so far?

Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

To this point, the development of the next ‘Scream’ installment has been more trouble than a scorned lover throwing on a cloak and a Ghostface mask to hunt their friends.

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett effectively rebooted the ‘Scream’ franchise with 2002’s ‘Scream’ and followed it up with this year’s ‘Scream VI’, opted to move on after their second effort, choosing instead to make vampire movie ‘Abigail’, which arrived this year.

Production company Spyglass Media Group found a suitable replacement in Christopher Landon, who previously directed the ‘Happy Death Day’ movies and ‘Freaky’, but then things started to go wrong.

Melissa Barrera fired from ‘Scream VII’

(L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Melissa Barrera was dropped from the franchise for social media posts supporting Palestine in the tragic, ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

While calling for a cease fire in the conflict might not seem all that controversial, some of the reposts on Barrera’s Instagram account have edged over into potentially troubling opinions.

‘Scream’ production company Spyglass issued a statement on the situation:

“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

That was followed by word that her co-star, Jenna Ortega, would not then be returning fir the new movie. Ortega’s departure was chalked up to schedule clashes with Season 2 of Netflix hit series ‘Wednesday’, and indeed the decision was reportedly made months before Barrera’s statement and subsequent firing. The timing, though, remains somewhat suspicious.

With his main stars absent, Landon also quit the movie, citing that it had become a nightmare in development.

Neve Campbell talks ‘Scream’ return

Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

Here’s what Campbell had to say on the news of her return:

“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’! 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.”

You can read her full Instagram post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Neve Campbell (@nevecampbell)

Where else have we seen David Arquette?

David Arquette in Paramount Pictures “Scream.” Photo: Paramount Pictures.

Arquette has been appearing mostly in indie movies since 2022’s ‘Scream’ outing, including the likes of ‘The Good Half,’ and ‘The Unholy Trinity.’ He has a couple of films awaiting release days, such as ‘Mob Cops’ and ‘Chuck Hank and the San Diego Twins.’

When will ‘Scream 7’ be in theaters?

‘Scream 7’ will release in theaters worldwide via Paramount Pictures on February 27th, 2026.

Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’ © 2022 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.

Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Scream’ franchise:
- ‘Scream‘ (1996)
- ‘Scream 2‘ (1997)
- ‘Scream 3‘ (2000)
- ‘Scream 4‘ (2011)
- ‘Scream: The TV Series‘ (2015 – 2019)
- ‘Scream‘ (2022)
- ‘Scream VI‘ (2023)
Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon
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March 5, 2025
Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley Join ‘Scream 7’
(Left) Matthew Lillard in 1996’s ‘Scream’. Photo: Dimension Films. (Right) Scott Foley in ‘Scream 3’. Photo: Dimension Films.

Preview:
- Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley will both appear in ‘Scream 7.’
- Details on their return are a mystery for now.
- Original writer Kevin Williamson is on board to direct.
Looks like Kevin Williamson is ready to invoke some ghost(face)s of ‘Scream’ past for the new movie.

With production having ramped up in Atlanta, Williamson, who of course wrote the first two original ‘Scream’ movies (and ‘Scream 4’) is stepping up to direct this time.

And ‘Scream 7’s script –– from Guy Busick, who wrote the last couple of outings contains return appearances for a franchise stalwart and an actor from the third movie.

Yes, veteran ‘Scream’ fans will no doubt be excited to learn that Matthew Lillard, who played horror movie obsessive Stuart ‘Stu’ Macher in the first film, is back, per Deadline.
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And he’s not the only one, as the trade site also reports that Scott Foley, who played Roman Bridger, the antagonist half-brother of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) in ‘Scream 3’, is also returning.

Which brings us to our next question… how? Both Stu and Roman were revealed in their respective films to be lurking under the Ghostface disguise (Stu working with Skeet Ulrich’s Billy Loomis) and trying to off Sidney. And both –– spoiler alert in case this is your introduction to the ‘Scream’ movie series –– are dead, Stu at the hands (and a handy TV to the head) of Sid and Roman was shot by Deputy Dewey Riley (David Arquette).

Still, we’ve seen ‘Scream’ characters return before; Billy himself shows up as a ghostly presence advising Melissa Barrera’s Sam Carpenter in ‘Scream VI.’

Plus, Lillard’s Instagram post teasing his return doesn’t hint at some twin twist…

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Matthew Lillard (@matthewlillard)

However they make their return, it’s going to be bad news for Sidney.

Campbell is back as Sid alongside the likes of Courteney Cox (her co-star and fellow ‘Scream’ co-star, who is back as reporter/author Gale Weathers), plus Mason Gooding as Chad Meeks-Martin and Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy Meeks-Martin, as reported by Variety, as well as newcomers Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, Sam Rechner and Anna Camp.

What’s the story of ‘Scream 7’?

Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’ © 2022 Paramount Pictures. Ghost Face is a Registered Trademark of Fun World Div., Easter Unlimited, Inc. ©1999. All Rights Reserved.

There are no details yet on what the latest film will feature, though given that Campbell is back as Prescott and May is playing her daughter, you know it’ll factor into the Prescott family.

One other element of that? The fact that Sidney is now married to a man named Mark Evans, who it was recently revealed, will be played by Joel McHale.

Related Article: ‘Scream 7’: Joel McHale to Play Sidney Prescott’s Husband in the New Movie

What has happened with ‘Scream 7’ so far?

Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, left, and Director Tyler Gillett on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

To this point, the development of the next ‘Scream’ installment has been more trouble than a scorned lover throwing on a cloak and a Ghostface mask to hunt their friends.

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett effectively rebooted the ‘Scream’ franchise with 2002’s ‘Scream’ and followed it up with this year’s ‘Scream VI’, opted to move on after their second effort, choosing instead to make vampire movie ‘Abigail’, which arrived this year.

Production company Spyglass Media Group found a suitable replacement in Christopher Landon, who previously directed the ‘Happy Death Day’ movies and ‘Freaky’, but then things started to go wrong.

Melissa Barrera fired from ‘Scream VII’

(L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Melissa Barrera was dropped from the franchise for social media posts supporting Palestine in the tragic, ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

While calling for a cease fire in the conflict might not seem all that controversial, some of the reposts on Barrera’s Instagram account have edged over into potentially troubling opinions.

‘Scream’ production company Spyglass issued a statement on the situation:

“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

That was followed by word that her co-star, Jenna Ortega, would not then be returning fir the new movie. Ortega’s departure was chalked up to schedule clashes with Season 2 of Netflix hit series ‘Wednesday’, and indeed the decision was reportedly made months before Barrera’s statement and subsequent firing. The timing, though, remains somewhat suspicious.

With his main stars absent, Landon also quit the movie, citing that it had become a nightmare in development.

Neve Campbell talks ‘Scream’ return

Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

Here’s what Campbell had to say on the news of her return:

“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’! 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.”

You can read her full Instagram post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Neve Campbell (@nevecampbell)

What else have Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley been up to?

Matthew Lillard as Norville “Shaggy” Rogers in 2002’s ‘Scooby-Doo’. Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures.

In the years since their respective ‘Scream’ outings, both actors have seen successful careers.

Lillard’s star rose considerably on the back of his turn as Stu and he went on to the likes of the ‘Scooby Doo’ franchise, ‘She’s All That,’ Alexander Payne‘s ‘The Descendants’ and, more recently on the big screen horror font, a key role in the Blumhouse/Universal movie ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s.’

As for Foley, his career has varied between movies and TV, favoring the latter, with appearances in such shows as ‘Felicity,’ ‘Scrubs,’ ‘True Blood’ and ‘Scandal.’

When will ‘Scream 7’ be in theaters?

‘Scream 7’ will release in theaters worldwide via Paramount Pictures on February 27th, 2026.

Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Movies and TV Shows in the ‘Scream’ franchise:
- ‘Scream‘ (1996)
- ‘Scream 2‘ (1997)
- ‘Scream 3‘ (2000)
- ‘Scream 4‘ (2011)
- ‘Scream: The TV Series‘ (2015 – 2019)
- ‘Scream‘ (2022)
- ‘Scream VI‘ (2023)
Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon
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January 31, 2025
Courteney Cox Confirmed for ‘Scream 7’
(L to R) David Arquette and Courteney Cox in Paramount Pictures “Scream.”

Preview:
- Courteney Cox will be back as Gale Weathers for ‘Scream 7.’
- Original writer Kevin Williamson is on board to direct.
- Neve Campbell is returning to star as Sidney Prescott.
It has apparently ‘Scream 7’ Casting Week this week, as several actors have been added to the latest entry in the horror thriller franchise, which has original ‘Scream’ writer Kevin Williamson aboard direct.

And to round things off, there is news today via Variety that franchise veteran Courteney Cox is joining fellow stalwart Neve Campbell in the new movie.

Courteney Cox (Gale Weathers) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Cox, of course, plays Gale Weathers, the sharp and ambitious news reporter-turned-author who’s often found herself at the center of the Ghostface killings, and has appeared in every instalment to date.

Her return looked less likely back in September, with Cox telling Variety that she was not officially signed on, but seemingly happy with the choice of Williamson to direct, admitting that “it’s going to be fun.” It appears she’s found a good reason to come back (probably several million reasons).

Williamson will be working from a script by Guy Busick and James Vanderbilt, who worked on the most recent outings.
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What’s the story of ‘Scream 7’?

(L to R) Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and Executive Producer Kevin Williamson on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s 2022’s ‘Scream.’

There are no details yet on what Williamson’s film will feature, but with Campbell’s return as Sidney Prescott and Isabel May playing Sidney’s daughter, chances are the Prescott family will be in the spotlight.

This also opens the door up for a potential return from Detective Mark Kincaid, played by Patrick Dempsey, who met Sidney when he was investigating the murders that happen in ‘Scream 3’ and ended up married with a family.

Kincaid has not been glimpsed since that movie, but Sidney does call him on the phone in one of the more recent entries. Dempsey has yet to be confirmed as coming back.

Who else is in ‘Scream 7’?

Phoebe Spengler (Mckenna Grace) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Earlier this week, we learned that ‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ and ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire’ star McKenna Grace would look to prove that she ain’t afraid of no ghost(face), signing on to the cast alongside fellow new recruit Sam Rechner, previously seen in ‘The Fabelmans.’

Then, Variety brought word that Mason Gooding, who played Chad Meeks-Martin in both 2022’s ‘Scream’ and 2023’s ‘Scream VI,’ would return as the character in the new movie.

There’s no word yet on whether Jasmin Savoy Brown, who appeared as Chad’s sister Mindy in both movies, will join her screen sibling.

Beyond them, we also know that Celeste O’Connor (another current ‘Ghostbusters’ movie veteran), Asa Germann and ‘Pitch Perfect’s Anna Camp are all also aboard in unknown roles.

What has happened with ‘Scream 7’ so far?

Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, left, and Director Tyler Gillett on the set of Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

To this point, the development of the next ‘Scream’ installment has been more trouble than a scorned lover throwing on a cloak and a Ghostface mask to hunt their friends.

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett effectively rebooted the ‘Scream’ franchise with 2002’s ‘Scream’ and followed it up with this year’s ‘Scream VI’, opted to move on after their second effort, choosing instead to make vampire movie ‘Abigail’, which arrived this year.

Production company Spyglass Media Group found a suitable replacement in Christopher Landon, who previously directed the ‘Happy Death Day’ movies and ‘Freaky’, but then things started to go wrong.

Melissa Barrera fired from ‘Scream VII’

(L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Melissa Barrera was dropped from the franchise for social media posts supporting Palestine in the tragic, ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

While calling for a cease fire in the conflict might not seem all that controversial, some of the reposts on Barrera’s Instagram account have edged over into potentially troubling opinions.

‘Scream’ production company Spyglass issued a statement on the situation:

“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”

That was followed by word that her co-star, Jenna Ortega, would not then be returning fir the new movie. Ortega’s departure was chalked up to schedule clashes with Season 2 of Netflix hit series ‘Wednesday’, and indeed the decision was reportedly made months before Barrera’s statement and subsequent firing. The timing, though, remains somewhat suspicious.

With his main stars absent, Landon also quit the movie, citing that it had become a nightmare in development.

Neve Campbell talks ‘Scream’ return

Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

Here’s what Campbell had to say on the news of her return:

“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’! 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.”

You can read her full Instagram post here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Neve Campbell (@nevecampbell)

When will ‘Scream 7’ be in theaters?

‘Scream 7’ will release in theaters worldwide via Paramount Pictures on February 27th, 2026.

Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Movies in the ‘Scream’ franchise:
- ‘Scream‘ (1996)
- ‘Scream 2‘ (1997)
- ‘Scream 3‘ (2000)
- ‘Scream 4‘ (2011)
- ‘Scream‘ (2022)
- ‘Scream VI‘ (2023)
Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon
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December 19, 2024
Movie Review: ‘Scream VI’
Courteney Cox (Gale Weathers) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Hacking its way into theaters on March 10th, ‘Scream VI’ represents the latest attempt to mine the sprawling serial slasher movie series.

How far is too far with franchise sequels? It’s something that was on the mind of 2022’s confusingly titled ‘Scream’, which looked to start a new chapter of the veteran horror franchise while, as is usual with these movies, grappling with the legacy of both the established storyline and the genre itself.

Directed by ‘Ready or Not’ duo Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, it was a savvy, sometimes scary success, though not the best entry in the franchise even given the ways it played with the concept. But its box office bonanza ($137 million worldwide from a $24 million budget) means the pair, alongside writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, are back for a second stab at Ghostface killings.
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What’s the story of ‘Scream VI’?

Picking up the story roughly one year since the events of last year’s ‘Scream’ “rebootquel”, which charted a new story around characters such as Jenna Ortega’s Tara Carpenter, Melissa Barrera’s Sam Carpenter and twins Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Chad Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding), all of whom had links to either killers or victims from earlier movies.

Having survived the seemingly traditional slayings in their home of Woodsboro, California, the foursome have moved to New York City, where Tara, Chad and Mindy are attending college. They’re trying to put the past behind them –– especially Tara, who just wants to have fun with booze and boys –– but Sam is still haunted by the last round of killings and her actions. She’s even in therapy working through her feelings.

And she has extra reason to be concerned, as someone online is spreading the conspiracy theory that Sam actually framed the real killers, one that is taking root among the city’s citizens (witness an early encounter where someone throws a drink in her face and calls her a murderer).

You can imagine their shared horror, then, when the legacy of Ghostface appears to follow them to the big city, first via a pair of fellow college students and then in ways they truly did not predict. Fandom for the ‘Stab’ movies plays a big part in the new movie, as does legacy.

Which means that our heroes once more afraid for their lives again, Mindy outlining the rules of continuing franchises in true ‘Scream’ fashion and starting to suspect that the people around them could all be suspects…

(L to R) Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Related Article: ‘Scream 6’ Adds Samara Weaving and Tony Revolori

What works about ‘Scream VI’?

The cast for this one remain game and relatable, with Ortega and Barrera carrying the emotional load while Brown and Gooding bring the lore and the laughs. Courteney Cox, of course, still knows exactly how to sell Gale’s blend of cynicism and moxie (and her presence offers a little extra tension this time around given that the main characters are annoyed that she’s spun the tragedy of the previous movie into another cash grab book).

Hayden Panettiere returns from ‘Scream 4’ as Kirby Reed, and the team finds an interesting new avenue for her that feels distinct from some other legacy characters. And when the big revelations start to drop, they mostly feel organic.

The location shift from Woodsboro –– which is something that has only happened in a couple of other ‘Scream’ entries –– makes for some impressive new set pieces, including one set at a Bodega (where the owner of course has a shotgun stashed behind the counter) that puts the audience in mind of the raptor/kitchen scene in ‘Jurassic Park,’ a tense chase in an apartment building that features a high drop and a ladder and the main cast crammed into a crowded subway train that is full of people in costumes, including more than one Ghostface.

It also offers a new tone and feeling to the show, the dark streets and towering buildings of the city a fertile hunting ground for whoever is in the masked costume.

Hayden Panettiere (Kirby Reed) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Are there problems with ‘Scream VI’?

One huge issue with any modern ‘Scream’ is the burden and bulk of the franchise. There have been six films now and so many different variations of killer (usually killers) that it’s hard to find something fresh for a new iteration. ‘Scream VI’ stretches this a little too thin in a few places, wanting to be so clever with the idea of the films’ legacy that it rolls around into a few dumb, unoriginal concepts.

Some of the new characters, by dint of where they end up, feel less developed, and while the opening scene (featuring someone from ‘Ready or Not’) looks to play on the idea of movie-series-within-the-movie ‘Stab’ as something that people study a little too closely, but is mostly played for cheap scares.

Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

Do you miss Neve Campbell’s Sidney in ‘Scream VI’?

The big issue, and indeed test for the new movie is the absence of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, who bowed out of appearing in this one because the studio offered her an embarrassingly low payday.

While franchises do survive without core cast members, Sidney’s absence is certainly felt, since she has been the heart of ‘Scream’ since the 1996 original. Yet her removal is not such a wound that the film collapses –– Courteney Cox is still around of course, and while Gale brings a different energy to the movie than Sidney, her link to the past is still welcome.

It’s also an opportunity to open the story up to other legacy characters such as Panettiere’s Reed, who has her own trauma to work through and is used in interesting fashion here.

Overall, ‘Scream VI’ tries a little too hard to squeeze in everything about the franchise, and the seams perhaps show a little more than in the directors’ previous outing. It’s still fun and energetic, though, and should please fans who have stuck with the movies this far.

‘Scream VI’ receives 8 out of 10 stars.

Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Scream VI.’

Other Movies Similar to ‘Srceam VI:’
- ‘Scream‘ (1996)
- ‘Scream 2‘ (1997)
- ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer‘ (1997)
- ‘I Still Know What You Did Last Summer‘ (1998)
- ‘Scream 3‘ (2000)
- ‘Scream 4‘ (2011)
- ‘Scream‘ (2022)
Buy Tickets: ‘Scream VI’ Movie Showtimes

Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon

‘Scream VI’ is produced by Paramount, Radio Silence, Project X Entertainment, and Spyglass Media Group. It is set to release in theaters on March 10, 2023.
March 10, 2023
Neve Campbell Won’t be Back for Next ‘Scream’ Movie

Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

In the months since the most recent entry in the Ghostface franchise – simply titled ‘Scream’, despite being the fifth movie – we’ve had a flurry of stories that represent good news for fans.

In February, a month after the latest movie opened, we learned that the next one is already in the works, with directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, part of the filmmaking collective known as Radio Silence, returning behind the camera along with writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick.

That was followed by word that ‘Scream 4’s Hayden Panettiere would be back as her character, Kirby Reed. And just this month, Dermot Mulroney was recruited to join the movie, set to play a cop (which doesn’t point to the healthiest life expectancy for his character).

But then came the bad news: Neve Campbell, one of the veterans of the franchise, the woman who has brought stalker slasher survivor Sidney Prescott to life in every one of the movies so far, would not be returning for this new one.

And, as it turns out, it’s because she’s taking a stand over a lowball pay offer. “Sadly, I won’t be making the next ‘Scream’ film,” Campbell says in a statement. “As a woman I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to ‘Scream’. I felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise.”

Neve Campbell (“Sidney Prescott”) stars in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream.”

Campbell has a point – this is a run of movies that has so far made around $774 million in the last two decades plus, and fans do keep coming back to see how Sidney fares.

She goes on to add: “It’s been a very difficult decision to move on. To all my ‘’Scream fans, I love you. You’ve always been so incredibly supportive to me. I’m forever grateful to you and to what this franchise has given me over the past 25 years.”

The movie has yet to start shooting, so there remains hope that Paramount could dig into its pockets (recently lined with lots of ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ money) and put forth a better offer.

Fellow ‘Scream’ stalwart Courtney Cox will be back for the new movie as Gale Weathers, and the cast is led by the survivors of this year’s ‘Scream’ – Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy Meeks-Martin), Mason Gooding (Chad Meeks-Martin) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter), whose characters are moving out of Woodsboro to try and start the next chapter of their lives.

Little else is known about the plot so far, save that Ghostface will naturally be back to terrorize everyone and there’ll be plenty of references to horror movies. Ortega has described the script as getting “more and more gory” as it goes along, and that the masked menace will be “the most aggressive and violent version” yet.

‘Scream 6’ is due in theaters on March 31, 2023.
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June 8, 2022