Key Highlights
- $45 million to $50 million box office debut for “Scream 7”
- Melissa Barrera fired due to antisemitic social media posts
- Jenna Ortega and Christopher Landon also exited the project
- Kevin Williamson took over as director after creative turmoil
- Neve Campbell secured a $7 million salary for her role
The Fall and Rise of ‘Scream 7’
You might think this is new, but…
“Scream” has always been about the knife. The masked killer, Ghostface, returns with a vengeance for the seventh installment, tracking a box office debut of $45 million to $50 million in North America. That’s scary good for a franchise that was once deader than one of its many victims.
But the journey back to theaters has been tumultuous.
In late 2023, Melissa Barrera, who starred in both “Scream” and “Scream VI,” was fired by Spyglass Entertainment due to social media messages the production company deemed antisemitic. After Israel’s involvement in Gaza intensified, Barrera reshared posts that accused the Israeli government of genocide and ethnic cleansing. This move prompted a backlash from fans.
Adding to the chaos, Jenna Ortega announced she wouldn’t return for “Scream 7,” citing scheduling conflicts with her Netflix hit series “Wednesday.” Christopher Landon, who directed the sixth film, left the project due to receiving death threats over Barrera’s firing. The creative turmoil required a major revamp of the script, which cost around $500,000.
Reviving a Franchise
Despite the drama, “Scream 7” is banking on nostalgia and horror’s enduring appeal. Neve Campbell’s return as Sidney Prescott was crucial; she secured a nearly $7 million deal, a hefty raise for her role in the horror genre. Courteney Cox, who has appeared in every “Scream” film since its inception, also landed a $2 million payday.
“Neve Campbell is to ‘Scream’ what Jamie Lee Curtis is for the ‘Halloween’ franchise,” says Shawn Robbins, director of movie analytics at Fandango. “She’s a big draw, especially for older generations who grew up with the original films.”
Augmented Reality and Nostalgia
Without Ortega on board, Paramount and Spyglass needed a killer marketing hook to generate buzz. The film’s budget of $45 million, up from the sixth installment’s $35 million due to inflation, reflects the industry’s growing costs.
The seventh chapter aims to capitalize on nostalgia and horror’s enduring popularity. Despite initial concerns about losing momentum, Paramount and Spyglass are banking on a series-best kickoff. Any fears were quelled by “Scream VI’s” $161 million global box office, which was the biggest haul since the first two installments.
Planning for an Eighth
Insiders suggest plans are already in place for Ghostface’s return in an eighth film. The franchise shows no signs of slowing down; even with creative turmoil, the enduring appeal of “Scream” ensures its survival.
Tell the survivors to hide their families. Read More About: Neve Campbell, Scream 7