With the absences of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, it seems that Scream VII will now start from scratch. Here's what Variety has detailed thus far...
James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, the writers of the previous two “Scream” installments, will now work on a fresh draft to present to filmmakers. Some set pieces and twists may be preserved, but the movie will need to find new protagonists. Ortega and Barrera signed on for two “Scream” movies and fulfilled those obligations with installments five and six, another source noted. They would have needed new deals for the seventh chapter.
Sources have also revealed that the producers are keen on getting Neve Campbell and Patrick Dempsey back in the Scream saddle.
So who will have to do battle with the masked killer? The “Scream” movies have a bench of characters who are still alive or who could be reanimated (it’s a horror movie, after all, and the joy of “Scream” is that it does not bury its dead too deep). These include Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, the original stars of the series. Campbell appeared in 2022’s “Scream,” but opted not to return for 2023’s “Scream VI” over a salary dispute. Producers are keen to see her reclaim her iconic character Sidney Prescott. Another possibility could be Patrick Dempsey, who had a scene-stealing turn in 2000’s “Scream 3.” None of these actors have been in active negotiations thus far.
Adding Dempsey back into the mix could fill a Dewey-sized hole the franchise currently has.
But make no mistake, Barrera and Ortega have captured the hearts of Scream fans with their portrayals of the Carpenter sisters in Scream (2022) and Scream VI and their absences will be missed.
Rumors have also begun to swirl about director Christopher Landon also wanting out of the project, although no official outlets of reported such things.
Things are getting crazy in Scream world and this is sure to be a production to follow.
"It's not just a new script, it's a new movie." -Roman Bridger, Scream 3
