The Scream franchise has survived decades of reinvention, evolving from Wes Craven’s meta-horror blueprint into a modern juggernaut that refuses to die—literally.
Now, Scream 7 is on the horizon, and with it comes a wave of returning icons, shocking exits, and enough fan theories to keep Reddit buzzing until the film’s 2026 release.
The Release Date: Scream 7 Release Date and When It Hits Cinemas
The seventh instalment of the slasher franchise is set to be unleashed on February 27, 2026.
That gives horror fans plenty of time to speculate on who will be behind the mask this time—or whether the mask itself is even the biggest twist.
With production finally back on track after delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strikes, director Kevin Williamson has reassured fans that the movie will honour the franchise’s legacy while embracing fresh storytelling.
The Cast Shake-Up: Scream 7 Cast, Old Ghosts and New Blood
Few horror franchises can match the legacy of Scream, and Scream 7 is pulling out all the stops by bringing back some of its most legendary faces.
Neve Campbell Returns as Sidney Prescott
After sitting out Scream 6 due to a pay dispute, Neve Campbell is officially back as Sidney Prescott, the franchise’s original final girl.
According to Campbell, this time the story centres on Sidney, marking a major shift from the last two films, which introduced the Carpenter sisters as the franchise’s new leads.
Williamson has hinted that Sidney’s return will be pivotal to the film’s emotional core, possibly exploring her life as a mother while dealing with the horrors that refuse to leave her behind.
Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers
Would it really be Scream without Gale Weathers poking her microphone where it doesn’t belong?
After surviving multiple Ghostface attacks, Courteney Cox is back, ready to take on yet another round of homicidal phone calls.
Matthew Lillard’s Shocking Return
Perhaps the biggest bombshell? Matthew Lillard is returning as Stu Macher—yes, the same Stu who had a TV dropped on his head in the original Scream.
For years, fans have speculated that Stu somehow survived, and Scream 7finally seems to be giving that theory some weight.
While details remain under wraps, his return aligns with Williamson’s vision of bringing the franchise back to its roots.
Scott Foley Brings Back Roman Bridger
Another former Ghostface making a comeback? Scott Foley, who played Sidney’s half-brother and Scream 3’s villain, Roman Bridger.
Given that Roman was very much dead last time we saw him, his return raises serious questions.
Some speculate that flashbacks or hallucinations might play a role in their reappearances.
The Missing Pieces: Who Won’t Be Returning?
Notably absent from Scream 7 are Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, who played Sam and Tara Carpenter in the last two films.
Barrera was removed from the project due to social media controversy, while Ortega reportedly exited due to scheduling conflicts with Wednesday.
That leaves a gaping hole in the cast, forcing the franchise to pivot back to its original heroes, most notably Sidney Prescott.
New Faces in the Slasher Game
Joining the bloodbath and making the cast of Scream 7 are Joel McHale as Mark Evans (Sidney’s husband), Isabel May as Sidney’s daughter, and fresh additions like Mckenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, and Mark Consuelos.
Ethan Embry has also signed on, adding to the intrigue.
Who’s Behind the Camera?
This time around, Kevin Williamson, the writer of the original Scream, is stepping in as director.
While he’s never helmed a Scream film before, his involvement guarantees a return to the franchise’s roots, blending self-aware horror with razor-sharp commentary.
Williamson has promised that Scream 7 will feel like a true successor to the original, maintaining its balance of suspense, humour, and horror.
Scream 7 Plot: What’s the Story?
Plot details remain under wraps, but with Sidney Prescott back in the spotlight, it’s safe to assume Scream 7 will return to its psychological horror foundations.
Williamson has teased that the story will examine Sidney’s attempts to move on from her traumatic past—only to be dragged back in by a new Ghostface killer.
Additionally, the presence of her family raises the stakes, with some fans speculating that her daughter could become a target.
The Big Question: Who’s Under the Mask?
With multiple past killers making a comeback, Scream 7 has no shortage of suspects.
Is Stu truly alive? Is Roman back for revenge? Could the next Ghostface be someone we never saw coming?
While nothing has been confirmed, Williamson has hinted that this film will have one of the most shocking twists in Scream history.
Whatever the case, one thing is clear: Ghostface is far from finished.