Kevin Williamson, Neve Campbell Reset Scream Franchise for 2026 Release

Neve Campbell is returning as Sidney Prescott in Scream 7, which marks a deliberate reset of the franchise back to the suspense-driven horror of the original 1996 film. Kevin Williamson, the original writer and now director of Scream 7, revealed that Campbell advocated for focusing on suspense and less on gore, moving the story away from New York and back to Sidney’s life. This shift follows Scream VI, the first film without Campbell due to a pay dispute, and excludes characters played by Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. Williamson emphasized the importance of giving Sidney a happy ending after her extensive trauma throughout the series. The film, set to release on February 27, 2026, reunites Campbell with returning cast members including Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and others, while introducing new characters. The creative team aims to honor Wes Craven’s original vision and provide longtime fans with a satisfying conclusion.