The original “Final Girl” is coming back as Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell, is returning to presumably take the helm in Scream 7.
After a noticeable absence in Scream 6 due to a salary dispute, Campbell confirmed that she’s reprising her former role, with Kevin Williamson signing on as the director for the first time in the franchise’s history.
The longtime Scream writer has had a hand in every film in the franchise, including the TV series. His involvement in creating the seminal Scream universe alongside the late Wes Craven has excited fans who are looking forward to the return of James Vanderbilt as a producer with Guy Busick fully taking over the writing duties.
After a successful return to form amidst a pandemic-stricken world in 2022, Scream 6 proved that lightning can strike twice just a year later. Unfortunately, the departures of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega from Scream 7 due to various controversies and scheduling conflicts introduces uncertainty about the film’s direction and the dynamics of its character ensemble. Nevertheless, Campbell’s return has the potential to anchor the narrative, offering a bridge between the franchise’s past and its evolving future.
Her character, Sidney Prescott, has long been at the heart of Scream, embodying the resilience and complexity that have defined the series for years. The circumstances of her return, amid the absence of other key characters, may offer an opportunity for the series to explore new facets of her journey and deepen the saga’s exploration of legacy, survival, and the enduring impact of trauma.
Who knows? Scream 7 may even put a twist to the series by turning the “final girl” into the “final villain”, potentially culminating in a trilogy-ending outing that will put the series to rest for at least a couple more years.
Regardless of what happens, a lot hinges on Sidney’s return to the story. After spending two installments building up a larger narrative outside of the returning lead, her return, presumably alongside Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers, will have to carry the same kind of emotional weight that the Sam and Tara had outside of nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake. But if not, Scream 7 will spell yet another temporary end for the series until the next reboot comes along.
Whether this installment can navigate its recent controversies, satisfy long-time fans, and engage new audiences remains an open question. However, the enduring relevance of Scream in the horror genre, media, and the larger society, suggests that moviegoers will flock to cinemas to watch Prescott’s latest confrontation with Ghostface.
