Neve Campbell is officially reprising her role as Sidney Prescott in Scream 7, after skipping the sixth movie.
The actress, who played the iconic final girl to perfection in the first five films, took a backseat from the most recent instalment – 2023’s Scream VI – over a salary dispute.
There were question marks over whether a seventh film would see the light of day after Spyglass film bosses reportedly fired Melissa Barrera from her role as Sam Carpenter, over comments she made on social media regarding Israel’s conflict with Hamas.
Jenna Ortega left the project shortly after, citing scheduling issues, while director Christopher Landon also stepped down.
Months after their exits, the 50-year-old left many divided over her announcement that she would be returning to the fold.
Taking to Instagram with a photo of the script for the untitled Scream 7, she penned: ‘Hi All. I’m so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!!
‘It’s always been such a blast and an honor to get to play Sidney in the Scream movies. My appreciation for these films and for what they have meant to me, has never waned.
‘I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!! Well actually I could.
As well as her comeback, Neve also revealed that Kevin Williamson, who wrote and produced many instalments of the slasher franchise, was also coming on board as director.
She continued: ‘While I’ve been so incredibly lucky to make these films with both the master of horror Wes Craven and the wonderfully talented Matt and Tyler team, I’ve dreamt for many years of how amazing it would be to make one of these movies with Kevin Williamson at the helm.
‘And now it’s happening, Kevin Williamson is going to direct Scream 7! This was his baby and it’s his brilliant mind that dreamt up this world. Kevin is not just an inspiration as an artist but has been a dear friend for many years.
‘To the amazing Scream fans, I hope you are as excited as I am. See you on set @kevwilliamson.’
Although Neve is a firm favorite with viewers, and the original final girl in the Scream universe, many were left unhappy over her decision, following Melissa’s shock departure at the end of last year.
In the comments below her Instagram post, horror fans voiced their disappointment, vowing to ‘boycott’ the franchise in support of her former co-star.
Notoriousg_a_b shared: ‘After Melissa got fired for showing support for Palestine it would make sense that they reach out for you, but to actually take their money and sign up to work for the same people who fired her is WILD.’
Mcauley26 agreed: ‘Neve I love this but after how Spyglass handled Melissa the fans are annoyed. I’m not sure if I can get on board.’
Joeyylb replied: ‘Wouldve been thrilling news if it werent for how they treated melissa. wont be watching this one [sic].’
As Cobrakainationyt added: ‘I’m so glad Neve is back, but curious how this film is gonna happen amid all the chaos that ensued in the past few months.. [sic].’
It is not clear whether other members of the cast, including Courteney Cox – who has played Gale Weathers in every instalment – Hayden Panettiere, Mason Gooding Jr and Jasmin Savoy Brown will also be signing on.
Neve broke hearts all over the world in 2022 when she announced that she would not be reprising her role as Sidney for Scream 6, which was released in cinemas last year.
In a statement, she explained that she felt the offer she was presented with didn’t relate to what she has done for Scream over the years, having led the way ever since the original movie in 1996.
Despite this, she kept the door open for a possible comeback, and was questioned about a comeback in January.
‘It’s sad to me that they’re struggling at the moment. I would imagine that the people at the top are spinning a little bit, trying to make the right decision,’ she told IndieWire at the time.
‘I think I would imagine people want to do the right thing. I would hope. I love this franchise. I love it for Wes [Craven]. I love it for all the people who’ve been involved and even the newer cast. I would hope it doesn’t fall apart.’
When asked if she would consider going up against Ghostface once again, she added: ‘Given the right circumstances? Yes.
‘I made a statement several years ago, and it was the reason that I didn’t do the film at the time, and I just really felt the need to stand up and say that I don’t believe I would’ve been treated that way had I been a man carrying a franchise for 25 years, and that still stands.
‘So, if they were to choose to come back to me, that would continue to be my takeaway. We’ll see.’
‘Would I do it? There are millions of fans out there of this franchise. These movies mean a lot to people. They mean a lot to me,’ she added to the Hollywood Reporter, teasing that she wouldn’t ‘be surprised to get a call’ from bosses.
‘They meant a lot to all of these cast members, and we would all love to see this franchise continue. I would hate to see it burn. So, we’ll see.’
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : EastEnders icons ‘thrilled and honoured’ as special new storyline is revealed
MORE : John Cena offered alarming amount of money to appear on explicit adult website
0 Comments