Moviefone Editorial

Tag: mason-gooding

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.
xn1Putz3RwmjIHJsUIliM6
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
0z9EbEVy
March 5, 2025
Movie Review: ‘Heart Eyes’
The Heart Eyes killer from Screen Gems and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Heart Eyes’. Photo: Christopher Moss.

‘Heart Eyes’ receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.

Opening in theaters February 7 is ‘Heart Eyes,’ directed by Josh Ruben and starring Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster.

Related Article: Jordana Brewster Talks ‘Cellar Door’ and Upcoming ‘Fast X: Part 2’

Initial Thoughts

The Heart Eyes killer from Screen Gems and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Heart Eyes’. Photo: Christopher Moss.

Forget “elevated” horror. The last few years have seen a new crop of self-aware horror comedies populated (in varying degrees) by likable if often socially inept protagonists, copious amounts of gore played for laughs, a smattering of pop culture references, and a deluge of ironic needle drops. Think ‘Happy Death Day,’ ‘Freaky,’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Knife,’ and now add ‘Heart Eyes’ to that list.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that two of the writers of ‘Heart Eyes’ are Christopher Landon, who directed and wrote ‘Death Day’ and ‘Freaky,’ and Michael Kennedy, who co-wrote ‘Freaky’ and penned ‘Knife.’ With director Josh Ruben (‘Werewolves Within’) at the helm, much of ‘Heart Eyes’ feels a lot in tone and aesthetic like those other films. ‘Heart Eyes’ is entertaining, with two charismatic leads at its center and a number of laughs (if no real scares), but it also feels like it adheres to a formula set down by those earlier pictures (and even going back to the likes of ‘Scream’) without adding any particularly new wrinkles.

Story and Direction

(L to R) Jordana Brewster as Detective Jeanine, director Josh Ruben, and Mason Gooding as Jay on the set of Screen Gems and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Heart Eyes’. Photo: Christopher Moss.

If there is anything different about ‘Heart Eyes,’ it’s that the film more or less functions as a rom-com in conjunction with its slasher narrative. The latter is introduced in the opening scene, when a couple and their photographer are turned into bloody human debris by the title killer, who strikes on Valentine’s Day (a nod to slasher classics like ‘My Bloody Valentine’) and wears a pretty neat mask with two glowing hearts as eyes (which also nicely double as night-vision goggles). HEK, as the murderer is known, tends to visit various cities and slice up as many romantic couples as possible on the annual holiday for reasons that chattering heads on news programs endlessly debate.

While weary detectives Hobbs (Devon Sawa) and Shaw (Jordana Brewster) – yes, you read that rather pointless ‘Fast and Furious’ reference right – try to determine who HEK is before he lays more waste to the dating scene in Seattle, we switch to the rom-com portion of our story, in which recently single marketing exec Ally (Olivia Holt) has a meet-cute (with a bit of blood involved) in a coffee shop with the outrageously handsome, alluring Jay (Mason Gooding). But the “cute” part dissipates when Ally finds out a short time later that Jay has been hired by her boss (Michaela Watkins) to salvage a Valentine’s Day campaign launched by Ally that rather tastelessly links the holiday to dead lovers.

Jay pours on the charm despite their new circumstances, while Ally – who has some rather bitter opinions about love – wants to keep things professional even though she’s attracted to her new colleague. She slips up, however, when she spontaneously kisses Jay during a chance meeting with her ex and his new squeeze. That lip-lock, unfortunately, is also spied by the Heart Eyes Killer, who mistakes Jay and Ally for a real couple and decides to set his glowing sights on them – even as they try to convince him otherwise as they attempt to fight him and his formidable array of deadly weapons off.

(L to R) Gigi Zumbado as Monica, and Olivia Holt as Ally in Screen Gems and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Heart Eyes’. Photo: Christopher Moss.

The plot takes a few twists and turns from there, with Jay briefly (and implausibly) considered a suspect in the killings and a few red herrings thrown into the mix. The violence is grisly but handled in glib fashion (although we’re getting a bit tired of the “camera pulls back through a bloody hole in a body” shot), designed to generate both laughs and groans of disgust, and while the movie does pick up a decent amount of energy and momentum, it develops a stop-and-start quality in its third (and fourth, sort of) acts, with a too-long sequence in a police station and a convoluted, not especially impressive climactic revelation of who’s behind HEK’s mask and what their game is.

Even if the slasher tropes feel a little threadbare, the rom-com conventions actually help pick the film up, from a “getting dressed for a date” montage to a ticking-clock pursuit in an airport. On the other hand, an extended slaughter at a drive-in feels labored (it goes on forever with HEK openly filleting people and not a cop in sight), as does the ending, a fault more on the page than in Ruben’s mostly efficient direction, which offers up some imaginative setpieces and kills earlier on.

The Cast

(L to R) Olivia Holt as Ally and Mason Gooding as Jay in Screen Gems and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Heart Eyes’. Photo: Christopher Moss.

Singer and actress Olivia Holt rose through the Disney and Freeform ranks (doing time in Marvel series ‘Cloak and Dagger’ and ‘Runaways’) before graduating to her first slasher comedy vehicle opposite Kiernan Shipka in 2023’s ‘Totally Killer.’ The young thespian clearly has chops as she balances the many sides of the surprisingly well-written Ally. She’s terrific at the physical comedy and double-takes, while also bringing needed vulnerability and empathy to a woman whose views on love have been soured in both her childhood and adult life.

Holt has fine presence and a real spark, and importantly shares great chemistry with Gooding, who’s been a supporting player in the recent ‘Scream’ outings but hasn’t really had a chance to shine. He gets his chance here, not only playing well off Holt but bringing shades of complexity to a role that could have easily been one-dimensional. Jay’s unabashed but non-toxic romanticism has its own troubled origins, and the fact that he and Ally come to each other from extreme ends of the emotional spectrum makes the tension between them both palpable and affecting.

Gigi Zumbado blasts off like a rocket as Ally’s best friend, Monica, although her character rehashes the “brash best friend” trope that also seems to be a staple of recent horror-comedy fare. What she lacks in depth she makes up in charisma and good humor, although there could be more to the character. Meanwhile, Michaela Watkins channels a more dazed ‘Devil Wears Prada’-era Meryl Streep as Ally’s boss, and while it’s nice to see Jordana Brewster get out of the shadow of the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise, her Detective Shaw has dating and motivational problems of her own.

Final Thoughts

(L to R) Jordana Brewster as Detective Jeanine, Devon Sawa as Detective Zeke Hobbs and Mason Gooding as Jay in Screen Gems and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Heart Eyes’. Photo: Christopher Moss.

As slasher comedies go, ‘Heart Eyes’ is a perfectly good time. The leads are effortlessly watchable and appealing, the kills channel some of the macabre fun inherent in the best of the genre, and Josh Ruben manages to maintain a consistent level of energy throughout the proceedings. Yet the tone fluctuates here and there, and the script is less sharply written than some of its predecessors and even current genre cousins like ‘Companion,’ resulting in a film with a muddled message.

If it’s a hit, however, you might expect to see those glowing heart eyes again at some point, and in the meantime we hope that the likes of Landon, Kennedy, Ruben, et al. don’t settle for formula as they further explore genre mash-ups like this.
6SZIVyReRcjUIerKCn1dq5
What is the plot of ‘Heart Eyes’?

Professional colleagues Ally (Olivia Holt) and Jay (Mason Gooding) find themselves trying to outwit and outrun the Heart Eyes killer, who slaughters couples on Valentine’s Day and mistakes the pair for romantic partners.

Who is in the cast of ‘Heart Eyes’?
- Olivia Holt as Ally McCabe
- Mason Gooding as Jay Simmonds
- Gigi Zumbado as Monica
- Michaela Watkins as Crystal Cane
- Devon Sawa as Detective Zeke Hobbs
- Jordana Brewster as Detective Jeanine Shaw
Screen Gems and Spyglass Media Group’s ‘Heart Eyes’.

List of Jordana Brewster Movies and TV Shows:
- ‘The Faculty‘ (1998)
- ‘The Invisible Circus‘ (2001)
- ‘The Fast and the Furious‘ (2001)
- ‘Annapolis‘ (2006)
- ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning‘ (2006)
- ‘Fast & Furious‘ (2009)
- ‘Fast Five‘ (2011)
- ‘Dallas‘ (2012 – 2014)
- ‘Fast & Furious 6‘ (2013)
- ‘American Heist‘ (2015)
- ‘Home Sweet Hell‘ (2015)
- ‘Furious 7‘ (2015)
- ‘Secrets and Lies‘ (2015 – 2016)
- ‘American Crime Story‘ (2016 – 2021)
- ‘Lethal Weapon‘ (2016 – 2019)
- ‘Random Acts of Violence‘ (2020)
- ‘F9‘ (2021)
- ‘Neon‘ (2023)
- ‘Fast X‘ (2023)
- ‘On Our Way‘ (2023)
- ‘Simulant‘ (2023)
- ‘Cellar Door‘ (2024)
Buy Jordana Brewster Movies On Amazon
February 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.
xn1Putz3RwmjIHJsUIliM6
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
0z9EbEVy
January 31, 2025
Joel McHale Joins ‘Scream 7’
Joel McHale as Jeff Winger on NBC’s ‘Community.’ Photo courtesy of NBC.com.

Preview:
- Joel McHale is joining the ‘Scream’ franchise.
- He’ll play Sidney Prescott’s husband.
- Original writer Kevin Williamson is on board to direct.
McDreamy is out. Say hello to… McSnarky?

No, we are not having a stroke. The news has broken via Deadline that Joel McHale is the latest addition to ‘Scream 7.’ And he’s reportedly playing Sidney Prescott’s (Neve Campbell) husband.
xn1Putz3RwmjIHJsUIliM6
But in this case, it’s not Detective Mark Kincaid, the character that Sidney met in ‘Scream 3,’ and who was played by Patrick Dempsey, and since married. Instead, it seems Sidney will be married to a man named Mark Evans, as that’s who McHale is now on set playing.

With production having ramped up in Atlanta, Campbell is back as Sidney alongside the likes of Courtney Cox (her co-star and fellow ‘Scream’ co-star, who is back as reporter/author Gale Weathers) and 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’?

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 the Prescott family.

Obviously, there has been a change to Sidney’s situation, and she’s now gotten remarried. The stress of having survived so many encounters with Ghostface, perhaps?

Kevin Williamson, who wrote the original ‘Scream’ and some of its sequels, has stepped up to direct this latest installment.

Related Article: Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers Will be Back to Confront Ghostface for ‘Scream 7’

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 2023’s ‘Scream VI’, opted to move on after their second effort, choosing instead to make vampire movie ‘Abigail’, which arrived last 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 I seen Joel McHale?

Joel McHale hosts ‘Crime Scene Kitchen’. Photo: Fox.

McHale is a recognizable, sarcastic comic presence, having hosted the likes of ‘The Soup’ and more recent shows such as ‘Crime Scene Kitchen’ and ‘House of Villains.’

But he’s enjoyed an eclectic TV and movie career, appearing in shows such as ‘Community,’ ‘Animal Control,’ and ‘The X-Files.’

On the big screen, he’s been seen in ‘The Informant!’ ‘Ted,’ ‘Blended,’ ‘Deliver Us from Evil’ and ‘A Futile and Stupid Gesture.’

He’ll appear in the ‘Community’ movie that keeps being touted by its cast and has an unknown role in the third season of ‘Yellowjackets.’ And he’s most frequently found making fun of former ‘Community’ co-star and good friend Ken Jeong.

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
0z9EbEVy
January 17, 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.
xn1Putz3RwmjIHJsUIliM6
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
0z9EbEVy
December 19, 2024
Survival Thriller ‘Fall’ Spawning Two Sequels
Grace Caroline Currey in ‘Fall.’

Preview
- The team behind 2022’s ‘Fall’ is planning two sequels.
- Co-writer/director Scott Mann will produce the second and make the third.
- The first sequel will shoot next June.
Last year, survival thriller ‘Fall’ became something of a cult hit, its vertiginous thrills entertaining audiences here and globally in theaters. And in some countries, it also arrived on Netflix (with little fanfare) but ended up still drawing in plenty of viewers.

Co-writer/director Scott Mann’s film was a surprise critical and box office success –– made for $3 million, it ended up with more than $17 million. It also became known for the use of an AI technology called TrueSync that changed expletives from the main characters into more family-friendly language for release.

What’s the story of ‘Fall’?

(L to R) Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner in ‘Fall.’

The film follows two best friends — played by ‘Shazam!’s Grace Caroline Currey and ‘Halloween’s Virginia Gardner — who climb 2,000 feet to the top of an abandoned radio tower and find themselves stranded with no way down. Their expert climbing skills are put to the test as they desperately fight to survive the elements, vultures, a lack of supplies, and vertigo-inducing heights.
INbAw2VKxIZYpoeddOfUA7
Who else was in ‘Fall’?

Even though the story mostly focused on the two women, the cast also featured the likes of Mason Gooding, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Jasper Cole, Darrell Dennis and Bamm Ericsen.

Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Fall’

What do the producers say about the ‘Fall’ sequels?

(L to R) Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner in ‘Fall.’

Here’s what Christian Mercuri, CEO of financial backers Capstone Studios, had to say:

“These two new sequels are wonderful opportunities to expand on the original. We want to now take the franchise even further as we assemble the very best team and ideas to ensure the next hair-raising, death defying and pulse pounding film to global audiences.”

And Mann, who will be closely involved going forward, said this:

“I am thrilled to be continuing the Fall journey and taking it to the next level. We’ve got a really special cinematic experience planned and I’m immensely grateful to my fellow producers for backing the vision. I’m also excited to be working with new collaborators as well as reuniting with the original gang, and obviously can’t wait to be back filming thousands of feet up.”

The plan, according to The Hollywood Reporter, is to have some of the original characters return for the sequels, while adding new ones. And Mann is going to produce the second and return to co-write and direct the third as he did with the first.

How can I watch ‘Fall’ and the sequels?

‘Fall’ is currently available to rent and buy on all major digital platforms. It can be streamed via Starz and Spectrum.

‘Fall 2’ is scheduled to start shooting in June next year. Neither it nor ‘Fall 3’ have a release date set yet.

(L to R) Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner in ‘Fall.’

Movies Similar to ‘Fall’:
- ‘Alive‘ (1993)
- ‘Cliffhanger‘ (1993)
- ‘Vertical Limit‘ (2000)
- ‘Buried‘ (2010)
- ‘127 Hours‘ (2010)
- ‘The Grey‘ (2011)
- ‘Wild‘ (2014)
- ‘Everest‘ (2015)
- ‘Halloween‘ (2018)
- ‘Shazam!‘ (2019)
- ‘The Hunt‘ (2020)
- ‘Beast‘ (2022)
- ‘Infinite Storm‘ (2022)
- ‘Shazam! Fury of the Gods‘ (2023)
Buy Grace Caroline Currey Movies on Amazon
5H1ujmOk
November 2, 2023
‘Freaky’s Christopher Landon Directing Seventh ‘Scream’ Movie
Christopher Landon attends Netflix’s ‘We Have A Ghost’ Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

Having directed the last two ‘Scream’ movies, the fifth (just titled ‘Scream’, confusingly) and sixth, ‘Scream VI’, you might think that directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett would be a shoo-in to handle the seventh, spawned because of the success of their two efforts.

But the duo, who work as part of the filmmaking collective known as Radio Silence, are even more in demand than they were before they jumped into the world of genre-obsessed Ghostface killers and have since parlayed that success into the chance to make an original horror movie for Universal that taps into the studio’s stock of classic characters and concepts.

That still mysterious movie has Dan Stevens, ‘Scream’s Melissa Barrera and ‘Matilda the Musical’s Alisha Weir attached to star, but obviously cannot move forward while the actors’ and writers’ strikes continue.

So now Spyglass, the company which produces the ‘Scream’ movies (for distribution usually through Paramount), has hired a new director for the franchise: Christopher Landon, according to Bloody Disgusting’s sources (and since confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter).
mEm8Zq5l2ZkjmSmCSSuBE7
Who is Christopher Landon?

Christopher Landon attends Netflix’s ‘We Have A Ghost’ Premiere on February 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix.

Landon is a respected writer/director in the horror field, having brought movies such as ‘Happy Death Day’, ‘Freaky’, and, most recently, the family-friendlier ‘We Have a Ghost’ for Netflix to screens.

He’s also been behind several entries of the ‘Paranormal Activity’ franchise and wrote the script for 2007 thriller ‘Disturbia’ among others.

Landon certainly has the chops to bring something fresh to the ‘Scream’ world, especially since his past work, like the Radio Silence team has shown a willingness to play with genre and explore ways to sidestep cliches.

Where does the next ‘Scream’ movie stand?

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

Of course, while Landon can be hired and do some directorial prep work for a new ‘Scream’, the movie itself will have to wait until the strikes are over, since unless a script has already been developed (no word is mentioned in either report as to whether James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, who wrote the last two films, had been at work on the new one). And regardless, given his usual writing and directing style, Landon may want to take his own crack at the screenplay, something he can’t do until the Writers Guild of America has a new deal in place.

Related Article: ‘Scream VI’ Brings Ghostface to New York for More Franchise Fun

Who will star in the new ‘Scream’ movie?

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

Much like with the script, casting can’t officially move forward on the new ‘Scream’ until the actors’ strike is over. But we can reasonably assume that the current set of survivors, including Barrera, Jenna Ortega and Mason Gooding, are candidates to be back.

Of course, they’re all much more in demand themselves these days (especially Ortega, who between these movies and ‘Wednesday’, has much higher profile and will likely require a new deal to return?) so expect negotiations to kick in properly once the actors can actually return.

‘Scream VII’, or whatever it ends up being called, has yet to be officially announced, so there’s no word on a release date.

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

Other Movies Similar to ‘Scream VII:’
- ‘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)
- ‘Scream VI‘ (2023)
Buy ‘Scream’ Movies on Amazon
August 3, 2023
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.
mEm8Zq5l2ZkjmSmCSSuBE7
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
Movie Review: ‘Fall’

(L to R) Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner in ‘Fall.’

‘Fall’ is now in theaters and it might just have you re-thinking plans to climb abandoned, rusty, remote towers that stretch 2,000 feet high above the desert sky.

Actually, if you were already considering planning to climb abandoned, rusty, remote towers that stretch 2,000 feet high above the desert sky, you might already want to re-think your life choices as a whole.

Still, stranding a pair of thrill-seekers thousands of feet in the sky certainly makes for a pulse-pounding drama, which gets a lot out of a little. And that’s not a criticism – ‘Fall’ offers stripped-down thrills and eschews excess for an effective story, at least until close to the end.

The movie kicks off with a throwback to Sylvester Stallone classic ‘Cliffhanger’, in which Becky (Grace Caroline Currey), husband Dan (Mason Gooding) and daredevil Hunter (Virginia Gardner) are climbing an impressive cliff face when Dan falls and is killed (this is hardly a spoiler, as it literally kicks off the movie).

(L to R) Grace Caroline Currey and Virginia Gardner in ‘Fall.’

Becky is shattered by the event – though probably not as much as Dan – and, mired in grief for nearly a year, shies away from any dangerous activities beyond getting drunk in bars. Her father James (Jeffrey Dean Morgan in a small, but emotional role) tries to pull her out of it to little effect.

Yet it’s Hunter who finally convinces Becky to get back out there, proposing a new challenge – the women will climb the 2,000-foot-high B67 TV Tower that sits abandoned in the sweltering, dusty California desert. Becky is naturally nervous to attempt it, but Hunter’s energy and cajoling helps her come back out of her shell and clambering on to the ladder.

Climbing up the tower is scary yet exciting for the pair, but when a rusted external ladder breaks and falls away, they’re left stranded high above the ground. And that’s where the drama really begins.

Director/co-writer Scott Mann and co-writer Jonathan Frank originally conceived the idea as a short for a program that didn’t go ahead and have since re-tooled it into this feature. Its roots as a short piece are still evident – a lot of the kinks have been worked out, and the movie uses its sparse premise to figure out some fresh dramatic opportunities.

Grace Caroline Currey in ‘Fall.’

Currey, who you might know from ‘Annabelle: Creation,’ ‘Shazam!’ and TV’s ‘Revenge’ shares the lion’s share of the screen time with Gardner (2018’s ‘Halloween’, ‘Project Almanac’). Both actors make their characters work as the story unfolds and the pair tries to let someone that they’re stuck.

You buy into the idea that these women have known each other for years and, as the mood shifts slightly on the windswept top of the platform, they both ensure that characters (particularly Hunter) who could be annoying, never go fully that way.

With the main throughline, it’s Currey who makes the biggest impression, carrying the weight of a character searching for a way out of her crushing grief and sadness. She finds it in the thrill of accomplishment, though that soon turns back into nerve-shredding fear. Gardner does good work as Hunter, too, though.

You’ll want both of them to survive, even if you do wonder what the hell they were thinking in the first place. Being brave is one thing, but stupidly failing to bring tools that could help in the event of different scenarios is quite another.

Virginia Gardner in ‘Fall.’

Outside of our dynamic duo, the cast is mostly limited to Morgan’s brief moment and the few people on the ground who come anywhere near the tower – suffice to say, it doesn’t usually go well.

A smart move here was deciding against the original plan to shoot on an LED “volume” (as seen on ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Mandalorian’), the budget instead necessitating using platforms of different heights, including one 60 feet up. The reality plays into the tension, and you actually feel the danger that the characters are in.

If you’ve ever had issues with vertigo or a huge fear of heights, we’d caution that you’ll be in for a visceral, scary experience that could test the limits of watching something like this in the theater. And that’s to Mann’s credit – he, cinematographer MacGregor and editor Robert Hall craft something that works on different levels, many of which are likely to raise your blood pressure.

Shots of screws slowly wriggling free from their warped holes, jiggling cables and impressive sound work with groaning structures and whistling wind and it whips our protagonists’ hair around their faces.

There is some overreliance on fake-outs in the early going – handles suddenly breaking free from ladders, for example. There’s foreshadowing and then there’s fore-slapping you in the face with the idea of what could happen.

And, as the story moves along and the drama deepens, one or two of the turns stretch credibility. Though it’s an ambitious way to go, there’s something about it that doesn’t quite ring true.

That said, it doesn’t detract too much from the vicarious thrills that ‘Fall’ has to offer. It will keep you guessing as to how the situation will resolve, and there are some smart visuals on display, not the least of which is the use of a drone that the two women initially use to document their achievement and then attempt to fly to a nearby town to alert the authorities to their predicament.

Provided you don’t mind a cold chill pooling in your stomach if you have any issues with height while watching, ‘Fall’ offers an entertaining ride at the movies and offers proof that it’s not just Tom Cruise that can entertain while clinging to very high things.

You may just end up at the edge of your seat… but do try to hold on, even if it’s only a two-foot fall to the floor.

‘Fall’ receives 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Grace Caroline Currey in ‘Fall.’
INbAw2VKxIZYpoeddOfUA7

August 13, 2022
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.
mEm8Zq5l2ZkjmSmCSSuBE7

June 8, 2022