‘Scream 7‘ has gained much limelight even before its release as some crucial actors supposed to star in the film either backed out or were removed for various reasons. However, Neve Campbell’s return as Sidney Prescott in the film has set the stage for another familiar face to join the cast.
Courteney Cox is currently in negotiations to reprise her role as journalist Gale Weathers in the seventh part of the iconic horror franchise, as reported by Entertainment Weekly. Representatives for Cox and Spyglass Media Group are yet to confirm the news, but the speculation is widespread.
Courtney Cox, most popular for her role as Monica Geller in the iconic sitcom ‘Friends’, has been a vital part of the ‘Scream‘ franchise alongside Campbell. Her last appearance was in ‘Scream VI’ released in 2023. Set in New York City, Courtney’s character and Campbell shared the screen in the 2022 installment of the film as well.
Campbell’s return to ‘Scream 7′ was recently announced in March, and marked a significant shift in the franchise’s plans. The actress skipped ‘Scream VI‘ because of a pay dispute, but producers and the studio were eager to bring her back. Her presence in the film gained even more importance after Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega exited the film. The two were initially positioned as the new faces of the franchise but left the film for different reasons.
Melissa Barrera was dropped from her leading role as Samantha Carpenter by Spyglass Media Group after she publicly expressed support for the Palestinian cause and criticized Israeli actions amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Jenna Ortega also withdrew from her role as Samantha’s sister Tara due to scheduling conflicts. Director Christopher Landon, who was originally supposed to direct ‘Scream 7‘, also left the film after Barrera’s dismissal.
Now, Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter behind ‘Scream 2′ and ‘Scream 4′ is set to direct ‘Scream 7′, with the screenplay penned by Guy Busick.
Related: Melissa Barrera Says She Feels “Grateful” About Her Firing From ‘Scream’ Franchise
Neve Campbell Says She Is Excited To Be Back To ‘Scream 7’ After Her Exit For Pay Dispute
In a statement shared on Instagram in mid-March, Neve Campbell expressed her excitement about returning to the role of Sidney Prescott.
“Hi All. I’m so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!!” Campbell wrote with her Instagram post. “It’s always been such a blast and an honor to get to play Sidney in the Scream movies. My appreciation for these films and for what they have meant to me, has never waned.”
“I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!! Well actually I could. While I’ve been so incredibly lucky to make these films with both the master of horror Wes Craven and the wonderfully talented [Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin] team, I’ve dreamt for many years of how amazing it would be to make one of these movies with Kevin Williamson at the helm. And now it’s happening, Kevin Williamson is going to direct Scream 7!” she wrote.
“This was his baby and it’s his brilliant mind that dreamt up this world. Kevin is not just an inspiration as an artist but has been a dear friend for many years. To the amazing Scream fans, I hope you are as excited as I am. See you on set,” the actress wrote.
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