When Ghostface is back on the big screen, fans are buzzing with excitement. The latest film, “Scream 7,” is expected to make a splash with a debut of $45 million to $50 million in North America. This would be a record for the franchise, a remarkable comeback since it seemed to falter just a decade ago.
However, the path to this new release hasn’t been smooth. There have been tensions behind the scenes, including major cast changes and a significant script overhaul that sparked some fan backlash.
In late 2023, Melissa Barrera, known for her role in the last two “Scream” films, was let go after sharing social media posts labeled as antisemitic. Following this, Jenna Ortega, her on-screen sister, announced she wouldn’t be returning due to scheduling conflicts with her popular Netflix show, “Wednesday.” This left producers scrambling.
To address these changes, the franchise’s original writer, Kevin Williamson, stepped in as director. He and co-writer Guy Busick had to rework the screenplay significantly, especially since Barrera and Ortega’s characters were crucial to the last film’s plot. The rewrite came at a cost of around $500,000, which is manageable for a franchise of this scale.
Previously, there were concerns about making a “Scream” movie without Neve Campbell, the iconic lead. She was absent due to a salary dispute, but “Scream VI” went on to earn $161 million globally, easing some of those worries.
With Ortega off the table, Paramount and Spyglass needed to find a way to attract viewers. They successfully negotiated a deal for Neve Campbell to return, securing her nearly $7 million. Courteney Cox, a staple of the series since its beginning, received a $2 million payday.
Shawn Robbins from Fandango noted, “Neve Campbell is to ‘Scream’ what Jamie Lee Curtis is for ‘Halloween.’ Her presence is crucial, especially for longtime fans.”
Given the popularity of horror movies and nostalgia for the series, producers are optimistic. They anticipate a strong opening, even if initial expectations might be set lower, at around $40 million. The budget for “Scream 7” is now $45 million, partly due to inflation and increased production costs.
Robbins also shared insights on audience reactions, saying there was initial concern about the franchise’s momentum fading. But curiosity about returning characters has sparked renewed interest.
There are even whispers of an eighth “Scream” film already in the works, so fans should keep their eyes peeled for more Ghostface thrills ahead.
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Neve Campbell,Scream 7
