It looks like at least one newcomer to Scream 5 and Scream 6 will be returning for Scream 7. According to a new report from Variety, Mason Gooding will reprise his role as Chad Meeks-Martin in the upcoming film.
Chad is the twin brother of Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown), the nephew and niece of original Scream character Randy Meeks. Chad and Mindy were first introduced in Scream 5, the 2022 film that introduced the Carpenter sisters played by Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. Mindy and Chad were close friends of the two and fans took to dubbing the group the "core four."
While Scream 7 was meant to continue the story of the core four, who had survived the New York murders, and see Sam Carpenter's (Barrera) story through to its natural conclusion at the end of a three-film arc, things didn't pan out that way due to Barrera's controversial firing by production company Spyglass Media Group.
Gooding is the only member of the core four currently returning for Scream 7. Ortega quietly exited the project shortly after Barrera was fired, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts.
Savoy Brown reportedly revealed at the recent São Paulo Comic Con that she would not be returning to the film franchise, but this has not yet been confirmed. At least one fan account reported hearing it at the convention, but I haven't been able to track down the footage. So, for now, her status in Scream 7 is unknown.
Gooding appears to be on good terms with Spyglass Media Group, as he's also starring in the company's genre-blending rom-com/slasher Heart Eyes alongside Olivia Holt, set to premiere in February 2025.
The announcement of Gooding joining the Scream 7 cast marks several confirmations for the next film in the slasher series, including Neve Campbell's return as Sidney Prescott. 1883 actress Isabel May has signed on as Sidney's daughter, and the seventh film will also feature Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), Asa Germann (Gen V), and Sam Rechner (The Fabelmans) in unknown roles.
Courteney Cox seemed to be circling a return at one point, but has not officially signed on to return as Gale Weathers yet.
Scream 7 is currently dated to release in theaters on February 27, 2026.