After a whirlwind of behind-the-scenes challenges and dramatic exits, Scream 7 is officially set to hit theatres on 27 February 2026. The announcement, shared by Neve Campbell and franchise creator Kevin Williamson, marks a significant moment for the storied series, which has seen its share of turmoil in recent years. Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media confirmed the release, setting the stage for the franchise’s revival.
Scream 7 comes three years after its predecessor and continues the saga with Neve Campbell returning as Sidney Prescott, a role she skipped in the sixth film due to salary disputes. Kevin Williamson, the original writer of the series, also steps in as director, taking over from Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Freaky), who departed the project citing that his dream job had turned into a “nightmare.”
The film’s journey back to production was rocky. Star Melissa Barrera, central to the fifth and sixth films, was dismissed in November 2023 after her social media comments about the conflict in Gaza sparked controversy. Shortly after her departure, Jenna Ortega, who played one of the Carpenter sisters, also exited the project. These departures led to a reshuffling of the creative team, with director Landon stepping down and the directing duo Radio Silence, who helmed the fifth and sixth films, opting not to return as directors in Scream 7 but remaining as executive producers.
Despite these setbacks, the project rebounded with the return of Campbell. Her announcement was followed by news that Courteney Cox is also in talks to reprising her role. The screenplay for Scream 7 is being penned by Guy Busick, who co-wrote the last two instalments, ensuring some continuity in storytelling.
While the plot details for Scream 7 remain under wraps, the film’s development signals a fresh direction for the series, particularly with the return of its original star and creator. As it stands, Scream 7 is the only major release scheduled for its late February slot, although it follows closely after a new Cat in the Hat movie and precedes an untitled Marvel movie by Disney.
With the return of iconic characters and the promise of a renewed creative vision, Scream 7 aims to recapture the essence of the franchise while navigating the complexities of modern Hollywood productions. Fans will have to wait to see how this next chapter unfolds, but with Campbell and Williamson at the helm, the series aims to reclaim its place in the horror genre.
Scream 7 opens in cinemas on 27 February 2026.