My Review of Scream 7 (2026)

 

Written by Kevin Williamson And Guy Busick And James Vanderbilt

Directed by Kevin Williamson 

Sidney (to Jessica): "Past my prime? Fuck you!"

I promised myself that when I'd get around to both seeing and reviewing this movie that I was going to be fair and objective with it. I wasn't going to mindlessly bash it or praise it out of my love towards the franchise. I will say one thing though - Spyglass/Paramount your treatment of cast members certainly deserves all the criticism in the world and you should be ashamed of yourselves.

The movie itself decided to go a little nostalgic at the beginning. The home of Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard) was now a tourist attraction. This was a way to introduce Stab fan Scott (Jimmy Tatro) and girlfriend, Madison (Michelle Randolph) into the mix. They also made up the opening kills with the latter getting the sort of death that she didn't want to happen to her. 

That's your lot for Woodsboro because the rest of the movie took place in Pine Grove. Sidney Prescott-Evans (Neve Campbell) ran The Little Latte cafe, was married to a cop named Mark (Joel McHale) and was struggling to connect with her oldest daughter, Tatum (Isabel May). Tatum wanting to know more about her mother's past was a source of contention for Sidney. You'd think by now Sidney would realise that she can't avoid her past.

In fact this movie kind of drove that point home. Ghostface rocked up in Pine Grove and began to make the usual threats to Sidney. Soon enough, Tatum's friend circle were dropping like flies. The likes of Hannah Turman (McKenna Grace), Chloe Parker (Celeste O'Connor), Lucas Bowden (Asa Germann) and even boyfriend Ben Brown (Sam Rechner) were all subjected to a variety of gruesome deaths but had little characterisation before meeting their ends.

As a friendship circle, they're disappointing in the sense that they're not fleshed out particularly well. Tatum herself fared better but being the daughter of Sidney and Mark, she kind of had to, didn't she? I do think Isabel May did well with the material that she's given and by the end of the movie, Tatum had a better understanding of who her mother really was.

In terms of returning faces, I actually really liked how Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) was used in this movie overall. This was a Gale that was going back to her roots and had taken on both Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Chad Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding) as her interns. The twins in particular were utilised rather well and I liked their scenes with Tatum and the latter's friends.

I also loved the examination into Sidney and Gale's complicated relationship and that after thirty years, Gale got to interview Sidney on live television, courtesy of Robbie Rogers (Mark Consuelos). There was something cathartic in that moment with bits of the old Gale resurfacing as both her and Sidney mused the possibility of Stu being alive. Spoiler: he's still dead.

Now, the Ghostface part of this movie would be where a lot of the criticism would be justified. There's Lucas's mother, Jessica (Anna Camp). She was a disillusioned Sidney fangirl who wanted to make Tatum into the new Sidney. Her motive wasn't that outlandish and I think Anna Camp played the reveal part pretty well. Saying that, we've had better female Ghostfaces and that almost included the previous one.

The other two Ghostfaces are almost not worth mentioning because they felt so irrelevant to the plot and had no personal connection to anyone. There was mental patient/serial attacker Karl Gibbs (Kraig Dane) and mental asylum employee Marco Davis (Ethan Embry). The movie did nothing to flesh them out and I was happy to see them out of the way. I honestly think it should've just been Jessica doing everything. It would've worked better overall. 

- Sidney's younger daughters, Emma and Rebecca briefly appear but were staying with Mark's mother in Denver.

- Every single Scream movie got a shout-out, including AI cameos from Dewey Riley (David Arquette), Nancy Loomis (Laurie Metcalf) and Roman Bridger (Scott Foley). Jessica was also a big fan of Sidney's Out Of Darkness book and Tatum wore Sidney's leather jacket from the second movie.

- Between movies, Gale lost her morning TV show with a pointed reference to her contract not being renewed. Mindy also wanted to usurp Gale and wasn't shy about it either.

- There's references to some Wes Craven movies, the Halloween franchise (yet again) and in fitting timing, Wuthering Heights.

- Standout music: Wouldn't be this franchise without the use of Red Right Hand. Oh and there's Ice Nine Kills and McKenna Grace's Twisting The Knife.

- Chronology: Began in Woodsboro, was mostly in Pine Grove and took place thirty years after the original movie.

Scream 7 in my opinion doesn't deserve the review bombing it's currently getting. In no universe would I consider this to be a bad movie, even in this franchise alone. At worst/best/take your pick, it's mostly decent with some nice Easter Eggs, some much needed character moments but it's also slightly letdown by a weak third act/Ghostface choices and not doing anything too meaningful with it's commentary on AI and Deep Fakes. I imagine when the heat dies down, it'll be reassessed more favourably as a movie.

Rating: 7 out of 10 

Scream 7 - The Dead Returns (Spoilers/Speculation, etc)

With filming for Scream 7 likely to finish this month, the last few weeks have revealed more casting news.

Before that, a reminder of the previously confirmed cast being Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, Roger L. Jackson, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Isabel May, Joel McHale, Mark Consuelos, Anna Camp, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O'Connor, Asa Germann and Sam Rechner.

First of all, let's talk about those returns. Last month it was revealed that Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley would reprise their roles as former Ghostfaces Stu Macher and Roman Bridger, last seen in both Scream (1996) and Scream 3 alone. Right now, something they're not the only former Ghostfaces that we'll see in the upcoming seventh instalment.

Announced tonight however was the return of David Arquette as former deputy Dewey Riley. Yes, his character was killed off in Scream (2022) and its not likely he's being resurrected here, given the grounded nature of the franchise. My guess is that any confirmed return of a dead character will be courtesy of an AI/deep fake from the current Ghostface(s). Or maybe a dream/hallucination/flashback, etc.

As for more new faces to the franchise, Ethan Embry was also cast last month in an undisclosed role. There was a rumour that he might be playing either a drama teacher or a mental patient while the movie will be located in a fictional town named Pine Grove.

Aside from that, the general plot has managed to remain under wraps. Also with filming likely nearing the end, it'll be interesting if any further announcements are made before the release of the first trailer. 

Scream 7 will be released in theatres from February 27th 2026.

Scream 7 - Additional Casting News

Well, the production of Scream 7, now currently filming in Atlanta certainly hasn't been dull and over the last week, we've had more major casting news.

First of all, let's talk Sidney Prescott's (Neve Campbell) husband. In 2022, it was revealed that she was married to Mark and had children with him. It was naturally assumed that it was Mark Kincaid (Patrick Dempsey) from Scream 3. It was also expected that Dempsey's casting was about to be announced as production started up.

However in a twist no-one saw coming, it turns out that Sidney instead married a man named Mark Evans and he's being played by Joel McHale. To say, the reception to this development has been divisive would be an understatement but a week has passed and most seem to have now calmed down on the idea of the former Community actor playing Sidney's husband.

Gettong back to returns though, if it was shocking that Mason Gooding was reprising his role as Chad Meeks-Martin, then it's even more surprising that Yellowjackets star Jasmin Savoy Brown will also be returning as Mindy. That now means that Scream 7 will have Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox, Roger L. Jackson, Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown reprising their respective roles alongside newcomers Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Isabel May, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O'Connor, Asa Germann and Sam Rechner.

Also added to the cast officially was Mark Consuelos. The Riverdale actor will apparently play a rival TV host named Robbie to Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox). Not much else is known about his character but if he's not a potential Ghostface, I wouldn't be shocked if he ends up having a very public killing by the masked killer/s on air. 

Other rumoured actors include Victor Turpin (Shades Of Blue) and Amy Louise Pemberton (Legends Of Tomorrow). If their casting gets confirmed or more casting is announced within the week, I'll edit this blog. 

Scream 7 will be in theatres from February 27th 2026.

Scream 7 - Full Cast And Release Date Announced

Despite being marred with controversy, the seventh instalment in the Scream franchise will be happening. Because once again, online discourse doesn't impact creative decisions from a studio.

First of all, the returning cast will comprise of Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox and Mason Gooding. I'll be honest, I'm a little surprised with the return of Gooding but at least it's proof that the Radio Silence era movies aren't being ignored or potentially retconned.

I've included Patrick Dempsey as well for now in this line up. He's not officially been cast but I suspect he'll be announced closer to or during filming, which will start this month in Atlanta. Anna Camp has also joined as a neighbour of Sidney's. Horror fans will of course know her from HBO series, True Blood.

However along with returning faces, what about the newcomers who'll have to face off Ghostface (Roger L. Jackson)? Our new cast include Isabel May (1883) Asa Germann (Gen V),  Mckenna Grace (The Haunting Of Hill House), Sam Rechner (The Fablemans) and Celeste O'Connor (Madame Web).

The character descriptions for this new set of teen characters range from Sidney's oldest daughter (Isabel's character) as well as the boyfriend, the creepy neighbour guy, the heartbreaker of the group and the queen bee. The movie will be directed by creator Kevin Williamson from a script written by Guy Busick, who co-wrote the previous two movies with James Vanderbilt. 

Scream 7 will hit theatres from February 27th 2026.

Scream VII/7 - Neve Campbell/Kevin Williamson Returning

Well, in a move that can be either seen as Spyglass doing ultimate damage control or a much needed step in the right direction, this just happened. I'll let you decide on this outcome.

After not paying her worth for Scream VI, it seems that Spyglass decided to change their stance as Neve Campbell will be back for the upcoming seventh movie. Taking to Instagram yesterday, Neve announced her return to the popular horror franchise and so far, she's the only confirmed returning cast member for the next movie in the series. However she's not the only return that was confirmed.

Also confirmed yesterday was franchise creator himself Kevin Williamson, who in a very surprising move was confirmed to be the director for the movie. Williamson replaced Christopher Landon, who stepped down back in December. The seventh movie will be written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick with Radio Silence also producing the movie.

Now as for where this seventh installment will go, given that the Core Four won't be returning and Sidney Prescott will be the focus again has yet to be revealed. I'm assuming that now Sidney is married and a mother herself that her family will be the target of a new Ghostface. I'm also assuming we'll not only see Mark Kincaid (Patrick Dempsey) but Gale Weathers (Courtney Cox) will likely be back as well.

As for Melissa Barrera, sadly it seems that Sam Carpenter's story is over for the time being. Melissa did express interest in returning to the franchise but not while Spyglass are in charge of it. However, she does have three movies coming out this year. There's vampire movie, Abigail (April 19th) that she worked with Radio Silence while Your Monster and The Collaboration will also release in 2024. 

I have to admit my feelings on this news has been mixed. I can't deny that I'm happy to see both Neve Campbell and Kevin Williamson back into the Scream fold but it doesn't change the fact that Spyglass's treatment of Melissa Barrera is still reprehensible and I hope that Melissa continues to get more and more work. 

Filming for Scream VII/7 will start later in the year for a 2025 theatrical release.

Scream Franchise - Current Chaos And Will Scream VII Happen?

To the last part of that question, the answer is yes, we will get Scream VII but for a franchise that's usually had its shit together, these laat few months have been a headache that Spyglass could've easily avoided.

One thing that I've noticed with the last two movies was that we've got something of a generational divide between old school Scream fans who grew up with Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) as their final girl and new fans who have taken to Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera) as their final girl. With both the Core Four not returning for the next movie and doubts as to whether Sidney herself will return (I'm leaning towards no), surely there's some light at the end of the tunnel? Right now, not quite.

Back in December, Scream VII director Christopher Landon took to Twitter (never calling it X) to announce he had stepped down from the project. Given the torrential abuse that younger fans gave him over the whole Melissa Barrera debacle, I actually don't blame him stepping away. Saying that, I was looking forward to seeing what he would've brought to the franchise. However, anyone hoping that Spyglass were going to cancel this movie will be inevitably disappointed.

Yes, for the time it seems that not only are Spyglass going ahead with the seventh movie, written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick but some directors have been rumoured (and I stress the *rumoured* bit) for taking on the sure to be divisive movie, also rumoured for a 2025 release. The frontrunner seems to be John Hyams. He's directed movies such as Alone and Sick (the latter co-written by Kevin Williamson) and probably would be a good fit for the franchise as Spyglass are determined to make this movie regardless of online discourse.

Now that we know Scream VII will be happening, where will it go as a movie? Like I said earlier in the blog, the Core Four are done and I genuinely don't believe they will get Sidney back either, so I assume a new script has been written to accommodate for those losses to the franchise. Do we go the reboot territory, take on a true crime angle or foolishly remake the first movie? My guess will be it'll be a new cast with possibly Gale (Courtney Cox) and/or Kirby (Hayden Panettiere) as a supporting character but I do think that perhaps to mix things up maybe go for a male protagonist this time around.

I'll provide more updates as things move further along with Scream VII over the next while.

Scream VII - Melissa Barrera AND Jenna Ortega Not Returning (Rant Time) - UPDATED

I was hoping to do another blog about Scream VII. However, this wasn't the sort of blog I thought I'd be doing.

Last night it was confirmed that Melissa Barrera who had been playing main protagonist Samantha Carpenter in both Scream (2022) and Scream VI would not be returning for the upcoming Scream VII, which was confirmed to start filming in early 2024 for a yet to be confirmed release date. The reason for this?

Oh yeah, it seems that Spyglass and Paramount sacked Melissa Barrera for expressing her views on the current situation with Palestine and Israel as she vocalised her solidarity with Palestine. What the actual fuck, Spyglass?

If you check the comments that Melissa had made on social media, not once did she say anything that was anti-Semitic in her support of Palestine. Needless to say for the last several hours, Spyglass have deservedly received backlash for their awful decision and criticism for their attempts to justify it. Spyglass have well and truly fucked up here.

Yeah and this blog is being edited because Jenna Ortega will also not be reprising her role as Tara Carpenter for Scream VII. Spyglass are trying to cite that her schedule for the second season of Wednesday (which will film in Ireland in late April 2024) is the main reason but something tells me they're trying to save face and money from both Barrera and Ortega not coming back. 

With both these exits and the unlikelihood that Jasmin Savoy-Brown and Mason Gooding will also come back as Mindy and Chad Meeks-Martin, what can both Spyglass and director Christopher Landon do to remedy a shit show the former could've easily avoided by not firing their lead actress? 

A part of me would hope that the online and media backlash would blow up so much that Spyglass would be forced to rehire Melissa Barrera and conclude Sam's storyline but realistically I don't envision that happening.

Another part of me would say to scrap ths movie altogether but again, I also don't see that happening. What I think is more likely to happen would be for an entirely new movie that ditches the Core Four and has a new cast and setting with maybe Courtney Cox's Gale Weathers factoring into the plot but would that work too under the circumstances? Only time will tell.

Either way this was a bad call on Spyglass's part and could very well backfire on them in the long run. 

Scream VII will start filming in early 2024. A release date has yet to be confirmed.