Scream 7 is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited horror films set to hit theaters next year, which makes sense since it's been almost two years since the last installment hit the big screen. While things got off to a rocky start with the departure of key cast members and some behind-the-scenes shakeups, many fans still remain hopeful that the popular horror franchise will stay true to its roots.
Given the immense anticipation surrounding Scream 7, it’s no surprise that people are scouring every update for clues about what’s to come. To help keep you in the loop, here are some crucial updates about the upcoming horror flick you might have missed.
1. Scream 7 will be released in theaters in February 2026
Back in October 2024, the official theatrical release date for Scream 7 was revealed, with Neve Campbell, one of the film’s stars, sharing the exciting news on social media. On Oct. 1, she posted on Instagram to her 600k+ followers, announcing that the slasher would be released on Feb. 27, 2026. The post featured a calendar image with the release date marked and a knife piercing through it.
The caption read, "It’s gonna be a killer 2026. #Scream7." Of course, thousands of fans immediately flooded the comment section, expressing their excitement. As of now, Scream 7 is the only horror film scheduled for a theatrical release on this date.
2. Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega will not be in Scream 7
Do you remember us talking about the cast shakeups earlier? Well, let me start off by saying that two of the main cast members from the previous installment will not be returning in this new sequel. Those cast members are Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, who played sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter in Scream (2022) and Scream VI.
Back in November 2023, it was reported that Spyglass Media had fired Barrera from the slasher due to some comments she made on social media about the Israel-Hamas war. Regarding Ortega's exit, she was unable to return due to scheduling conflicts. Ortega is also the star of the hit Netflix horror series Wednesday, and her commitments to the show clashed with the production schedule for Scream 7. There is also a rumor that the reason she didn't come back is because of a salary dispute, but this hasn't been confirmed.
3. The sequel has experienced multiple changes in its directorial lineup
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the talented filmmakers who directed Scream (2022) and Scream VI, were initially set to helm this new sequel. However, they had to step away due to scheduling conflicts. At the time, they were busy working on their other horror project, Abigail, which ultimately didn’t align with Scream 7's production timeline. As a result, Christopher Landon stepped in to take over the film's directing duties. However, he didn't last long either.
In December 2023, Landon announced via X that he had exited as director on the project, stating that the movie was a "dream job that turned into a nightmare." He would later be replaced by Scream creator Kevin Williamson. Guy Busick, who co-wrote the scripts for Scream (2022) and Scream VI with James Vanderbilt, returned to write the screenplay for this new sequel. In addition, Spyglass Media Group and Paramount Pictures are behind this film.
I guess now is as good a time as any to announce I formally exited Scream 7 weeks ago. This will disappoint some and delight others. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But it’s time to move on. I have nothing
— christopher landon (@creetureshow) December 23, 2023
4. Who's in the cast?
As previously stated, Neve Campbell is part of the cast. She portrayed Sidney Prescott in the first five films of the franchise but briefly stepped away after the fifth installment due to a salary dispute. Now, she is set to reprise this iconic role in the seventh film. Joining her is another legacy cast member, Courteney Cox, who has played the role of Gale Weathers in every Scream movie to date.
Fans were hoping to see the return of Patrick Dempsey after he revealed that he had been in talks to reprise his role as Detective Mark Kincaid, but unfortunately, it doesn't look like this legacy Scream cast member will be coming back. Dempsey portrayed the role of Mark Kincaid in Scream 3. Off-screen, Mark and Sidney were revealed to have gotten married and started a family.
In January 2025, Joel McHale joined the Scream 7 cast in the role of Mark Evans, Sidney's husband. No, this is not a recasting. This Mark is believed to be a new character with no relation to Dempsey's character. Since McHale is playing Sidney's new husband, we believe Dempsey won't be returning.
Besides Cox, there are two more returning cast members from Scream (2022) and Scream VI. They are Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown, who portrayed Chad and Mindy Meeks-Martin in those films. Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, Sam Rechner, and Anna Camp join McHale as new cast members. May will play Sidney's daughter.
5. Production on Scream 7 started in January 2025
Like many other film productions, Scream 7 was impacted by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. In a July 2024 interview with IndieWire, Campbell revealed that production was further postponed due to scheduling conflicts. Initially set to begin filming in September 2024, it was pushed to December of the same year. However, it seems production didn’t start then either, as we now have confirmation that the cameras officially began rolling in Atlanta, Georgia, on Jan. 7, 2025.
Scream 7 director Kevin Williamson was the one to announce the exciting news on social media. On Jan. 7, he took to Instagram to share his excitement about the start of filming, expressing how thrilled he was to be working with such an incredible cast and crew.
This is all that we know about Scream 7 at the moment. As we learn new information, we'll be sure to keep you updated on all the latest developments. But for now, stay tuned to 1428 Elm!