All you need to know about Scream 7

    After Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega's departures from the film, here's what you need to know about the upcoming 7th instalment of the horror franchise.

    Scream 7 (Source: X)

    Scream 7 (Source: X)

    The newest Scream installment has undergone significant changes. After the success of Scream VI, which achieved the franchise's highest opening weekend box office when it premiered in March, a seventh film was announced in August.

    While the seventh film is still in progress, the franchise has encountered a setback with reports stating that several cast members will not be reprising their roles for the sequel. In a significant development for the upcoming movie, Neve Campbell has announced her highly anticipated return, confirming that Kevin Williamson, the original writer of the 1996 Scream movie, will also direct.

    Neve Campbell - Still from Scream 5 (Source: Instagram) (Source: NY Post)

    Casting Changes in Scream 7

    In November Melissa Barrera was let go from the upcoming film following social media posts related to the Israel-Hamas war. In both 2022's Scream and Scream VI, Barrera portrayed Sam Carpenter, the character introduced as the daughter of Scream villain Billy Loomis.

    Following Barrera's departure, both Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Jenna Ortega, who portrayed Barrera's onscreen sister Tara Carpenter in the last two Scream films, is unlikely to return for Scream 7. Deadline cited Ortega's packed filming schedule for the second season of Netflix's Wednesday and the completion of filming for Beetlejuice 2 as reasons for her departure from the film.

    Scream 6 (Source: IMDB)

    Cast Updates and Character Returns

    Following several changes in the cast, the official cast list for the upcoming film remains uncertain. However, there were expectations that Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown would return to their roles after appearing in the previous installment. Additionally, there were rumors of Courteney Cox reprising her character, Gale Weathers, following her survival in Scream 6.

    In March 2024, Neve Campbell confirmed she would be returning as Sidney Prescott for the new movie. Campbell originated the role in the original 1996 film Scream and appeared in all sequels except the 2023 sixth entry.

    Neve Campbell - Still from Scream 5 (Source: NY Post)

    When Campbell announced her comeback, she also revealed that Kevin Williamson, the writer of the original 1996 Scream movie, would direct the new installment. While the release date hasn't been confirmed, speculation suggests the film may hit theaters in late 2024 or early 2025.