Amidst controversy, the highly anticipated newest addition to the “Scream” franchise, “Scream 7,” hit theaters on February 27.
The controversy began a few months after the release of “Scream 6” in March of 2023. In August, the directors of the past two films who were supposed to direct “Scream 7” left the project to work on another film, resulting in the hiring of Christopher Landon to replace them.
In November, however, much more changed. Melissa Barrera, the star of the previous two films, was let go from the film due to her pro-Palestinian social media posts that the production company deemed anti-semitic. One day later, her co-star Jenna Ortega announced her departure from the film as well. At first, the production company explained Ortega’s exit as being due to scheduling conflicts – she has since confirmed, however, that she left due to the changes in cast and crew that would have made the experience different from the last two films. In December, director Landon also left the film.
This led to major rewrites, but also enabled the film to go back to its roots. Kevin Williamson, writer of the original “Scream” film, was hired as director in March 2024. In the same month, Neve Campbell, star of the “Scream” franchise, announced her return after being left out of “Scream 6” due to salary disputes.
Almost a year after all of these changes, the film premiered.
An iconic feature of any “Scream” film, as fans know, is the opening kill sequence. Beginning with Drew Barrymore in 1996, the openings of “Scream” films have seen many big actors, including Jada Pinkett Smith, Britt Robertson, Kristen Bell and Samara Weaving. Though this opening kill does not feature as much starpower, it still delivers. A couple arrives at a house to stay the night. But this isn’t any old house, it’s Stu Macher’s house – a main fixture in “Scream” lore and the site of many brutal murders in the 1996 and 2022 films. The house has been turned into a museum of sorts, as it is known from the fictional “Stab” films within the “Scream” universe. With this reference, the film appeals to the fans’ nostalgia from the very start as they witness the ruthlessness that opens the film and confirms that there is another Ghostface ready for their time to shine.
After the opening, the film shows Campbell in her iconic role as Sidney Prescott – now Sidney Evans – living in Indiana with her husband and her children. Though her youngest children see little screentime, her teenage daughter Tatum (Isabel May) has a big role, being the same age as Sidney was in the original “Scream.” Her friend group, notably featuring actress Mckenna Grace playing Hannah, becomes involved in the narrative after Ghostface returns to haunt Sidney.
Courteney Cox reprises her role as Gale Weathers, the sole on-screen character to appear in every “Scream” movie. The only other actor who can say they’ve been involved in every film is Roger L. Jackson – the famous voice of Ghostface. Characters Chad and Mindy, played by Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown respectively, also reprise their roles from the previous two films.
Without spoiling the surprise, multiple legacy characters are featured in this film unexpectedly – even the ones who have died. One of these characters, whose actor announced their involvement in the new film, is Stu Macher himself (played by Matthew Lillard). Though his ending in “Scream” would’ve suggested otherwise, it has largely been a fan theory that the character was somehow still alive. Without confirming whether or not this is the case, it is common knowledge that he is featured in this film in some way.
The film fits right into the franchise; the gory slashings, modern feel and simple narrative gave it all the elements of a “Scream” film. It is repetitive at times, as one might expect with a seventh addition, but it also actively defies expectations and makes surprising choices to keep fans on their toes.
Of course, the film builds to the eventual Ghostface reveal, as every “Scream” film does. Though I won’t spoil who the killer(s?) is/are, my opinion is that the reveal disappoints when compared with the reveals of the previous films. The motives do not seem entirely fleshed out, and the killer(s?) does not quite fit the nostalgia of the film. Therefore, the buildup is not as satisfying as it could be, and I predict the reveal will not be as memorable as the reveals of the past.
Despite the somewhat disappointing reveal, the film itself is highly enjoyable and delivers original ideas in a narrative revolving around nostalgia. If you’re a fan of the “Scream” franchise, you should definitely go see it – but maybe lower your expectations for the ending.
Junior Emily Myers is a Copy Editor. Her email is emyers3@fandm.edu.