Phoebe Spengler (Mckenna Grace) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Preview:
- McKenna Grace is the latest recruit for the ‘Scream’ franchise.
- Original writer Kevin Williamson is on board to direct.
- Neve Campbell is returning to star as Sidney Prescott.
The casting cavalcade for the next ‘Scream’ outing continues to roll onwards. Following a troubled development period (read more about that below), it seems to be firmly on track, with original writer Kevin Williamson stepping up to direct and main star Neve Campbell returning as Sidney Prescott.
Alongside the likes of recent recruits Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor and Asa Germann, we now know that McKenna Grace, who starred in the most recent two ‘Ghostbusters’ movies, will be joining the cast. And ‘The Fabelmans’ Sam Rechner is also aboard.
The seventh installment in the ‘Scream’ franchise. Plot TBA. Read the Plot
And in a bit of breaking news, Variety brings word that Mason Gooding, who played Chad Meeks-Martin in both 2022’s ‘Scream’ and 2023’s ‘Scream VI,’ is returning 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.
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 Williamson’s 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.
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.
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.
Related Article: ‘Scream 7’: Isabel May and Celeste O’Connor Join the Cast of the New Horror
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:
Where else have I seen McKenna Grace?
Phoebe Spengler (Mckenna Grace) in Columbia Pictures’ ‘Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire.’ Photo By Jaap Buitendijk. © 2023 CTMG, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Grace, in addition to her ‘Ghostbusters’ duties, has enjoyed a successful career so far.
She has movies such as ‘Gifted,’ ‘Captain Marvel,’ ‘I, Tonya,’ and ‘Annabelle Comes Home’ on her resume.
And the actor has several new movies in the works, including the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s ‘Regretting You’ opposite Allison Williams, to be directed by Josh Boone. She’ll also be seen in sports biodrama ‘Perfect’ and romantic drama ‘99 Days.’
As for Rechner, he made an impact in ‘Fabelmans’ as Logan, the high school bully of Gabriel LaBelle’s 16-year-old Sammy. He also appeared in comedy drama ‘Ruby’s Choice.’
On the small screen, he was part of the cast for Netflix series ‘Heartbreak High.’
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.