Neve Campbell Returns to Face Ghostface in Scream 7, Kevin Williamson to Direct

Neve Campbell Returns to Face Ghostface in Scream 7, Kevin Williamson to Direct

The wheels keep turning on Scream 7. What has become a franchise that asks “What’s your favorite scary movie?” has gone from two successful entries in the reinvigorated franchise to a scary state of production on the newest installment of the slasher films. Neve Campbell hopes to turn things around as she rejoins the upcoming sequel after departing the franchise over a salary dispute.

Since the departure of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, collectively known as Radio Silence, the franchise has found itself on unsteady ground. Radio Silence took on the franchise in 2022 with Scream 5, which saw newcomers Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera take on the lead roles as we went back to Woodsboro along with some of our favorite legacy characters such as Courtney Cox, David Arquette, and Campbell.

The success of the film led to a quick announcement that Scream 6 would be in the works and took our final girls (Barrera, Ortega) to New York City where Ghostface sliced and diced their way through the bustling streets of NYC to finish what they started in the previous film.

Campbell originally was set to return but the salary dispute saw the studio move on from the original final girl and put all their chips on the table with the new stars. After yet another successful sequel, the celebration was short-lived after the studio cut ties with Barrera after some social media controversy.

Shortly after Ortega followed suit by stepping away from the upcoming sequel. Christopher Landon, known for their work on Paranormal Activity was set to take the reins of the franchise after Radio Silence departed but shortly after attaching themselves to the film, they stepped away citing production issues, citing it as a ” dream job that turned into a nightmare…”

Along with the announcement of Campbell’s return. We will have another familiar name joining the film behind the camera as Scream creator and writer, Kevin Williamson is also set to return, replacing Landon as director. The creator and writer of the first two and fourth installments of the franchise was also attached to Scream 5 and 6 as an executive producer and will now re-team with Campbell for Scream 7.

“Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!!” Campbell posted on Instagram Tuesday. “It’s always been such a blast and an honor to get to play Sidney in the ‘Scream’ movies. My appreciation for these films and for what they have meant to me, has never waned. I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

Williamson added:

“It’s been nearly 30 years since my very first script, ‘Scream,’ was directed by the legendary Wes Craven, I never would have predicted what it would become. Or that I would be directing the seventh installment of the franchise.

I am overcome with gratitude and excitement, and I can’t wait to take this journey with Neve and the entire ‘Scream’ family as we bring back Sidney Prescott in the next chapter of the ‘Scream’ franchise. Thank you to all the ‘Scream’ fans. You are the gift that keeps giving.”

In my November article discussing where the franchise could go after the many changes in cast and filmmakers, I noted that Campbell was the safer option as opposed to a complete creative overhaul with new stars.

Campbell’s character now finds herself with a family and life alongside Patrick Dempsey‘s Mark Kincaid and taking Ghostface to her doorstep could both take us back and into the future with a new location featuring the two most famous characters in the franchise. You can read more about our thoughts on this here.

You can read Campbell’s full statement below and be sure to stay tuned as more information on Scream 7 becomes available.

“Hi All. I’m so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!! It’s always been such a blast and an honor to get to play Sidney in the ‘Scream‘ movies. My appreciation for these films and for what they have meant to me, has never waned. I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!!

Well actually I could. While I’ve been so incredibly lucky to make these films with both the master of horror Wes Craven and the wonderfully talented Matt and Tyler team, I’ve dreamt for many years of how amazing it would be to make one of these movies with Kevin Williamson at the helm.

And now it’s happening, Kevin Williamson is going to direct ‘Scream 7‘! 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. To the amazing ‘Scream‘ fans, I hope you are as excited as I am. See you on set @kevwilliamson.”