Neve Campbell returning for Scream 7 after Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega exits
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
Neve Campbell, the iconic actress who led the hit slasher franchise from its inception in 1996, is officially back on board for the upcoming installment, “Scream 7”. This news comes following the departure of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega from the franchise, leaving fans eager to see what’s next for the beloved horror series.
Campbell’s absence from the previous installment, “Scream VI”, was notably due to a dispute in pay negotiations. Instead, the spotlight was shifted to Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers and the returning stars of the 2022 ‘requel’ “Scream”, Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. However, with Barrera and Ortega’s unexpected exits from “Scream 7” last year, the future of the franchise seemed uncertain until Neve Campbell’s return was confirmed.
In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, Campbell expressed her excitement about reprising her role as Sidney Prescott in “Scream 7”. She mentioned how playing Sidney in the “Scream” movies has always been a blast and an honor for her, and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be asked back to bring the character to the screen once again. Campbell also revealed that the film will be directed by Kevin Williamson, who wrote the original “Scream” movie.
Campbell shared her admiration for Williamson, stating that she had dreamt for many years of working with him as the director of a “Scream” movie. She emphasized his brilliant mind and the fact that he is not only an inspiration as an artist but also a dear friend. With Williamson at the helm of “Scream 7”, fans can expect a thrilling and nostalgic return to the world of Sidney Prescott and the Ghostface killer.
The actress’s exit from the franchise ahead of “Scream VI” was a result of a breakdown in pay negotiations. In a statement, Campbell expressed her disappointment that the offered compensation did not reflect the value she brought to the franchise, particularly as a woman in the industry. This incident shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by women in Hollywood when it comes to establishing their worth and receiving fair compensation for their work.
The departures of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega from “Scream 7” last year added further complications to the production. Barrera was dropped by production company Spyglass due to comments made on social media about the Israel/Hamas conflict, while Ortega’s exit was attributed to scheduling issues. Additionally, original “Scream 7” director Christopher Landon announced his departure from the project in December 2023, leaving its future uncertain.
Neve Campbell’s return to the franchise as Sidney Prescott brings a sense of nostalgia and continuity for fans who have followed the “Scream” series since its inception. With Kevin Williamson back on board as director, the upcoming installment promises to deliver the same suspense, thrills, and iconic moments that have defined the franchise over the years. Fans can look forward to seeing Sidney Prescott once again face off against the Ghostface killer in “Scream 7”.
Overall, Neve Campbell’s return for “Scream 7” is a welcome development for fans of the franchise, signaling a new chapter in the iconic horror series. With Campbell reprising her role as Sidney Prescott and Kevin Williamson directing, the stage is set for another thrilling installment that will captivate audiences and reignite their love for the “Scream” franchise.
Follow us on: Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
