Neve Campbell to Return as Sidney Prescott in Scream 7

Conflicted news, everyone! Horror scream queen Neve Campbell took to Instagram to announce her return to the Scream franchise as the star of Scream 7 after missing Scream 6 due to a salary dispute. Her hiring comes fresh off the coattails of the franchise’s second (but equally valuable) lead star, Melissa Barrera, who was let go after she spoke out condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza. Neve Campbell also revealed some juicy news that former Scream writer Kevin Williamson will return to the franchise as a director this time.

Sidney is Back, Sam is Still Gone

Campbell announced Sidney Prescott will return to Scream 7, presumably as the film’s lead since Melissa Barrera is still supposedly out. Campbell “couldn’t be more thrilled” for Sidney’s return and is equally as excited for Williamson to return in a more creative role. Williamson is well known as a writer in the industry, writing the first two Scream films and Scream 4, and isn’t known to direct films. Still, for someone involved with the creation of Scream, this should speak somewhat optimistically towards the quality of the film.

Regarding everything else, the elephant in the room is clear. Barrera was fired earlier this year for her comments regarding Israel and its actions against Gaza after her post was labeled antisemitic by the film’s production studio, Spyglass. Jenna Ortega’s departure from Scream 7 was conspicuously announced following news of Barrera’s firing, although reports stated this was due to scheduling conflicts.

Former Scream veterans have also spoken out over Barrera’s departure. Hayden Panettiere, who played Kirby in Scream 4 and 6, stated her firing was “very unfair and upsetting” and that “Melissa is such a badass as a human being and as an actress.” Still unconfirmed is whether or not series veterans such as Courtney Cox will return to the franchise.