After sitting out “Scream 6” over a salary dispute, franchise star Neve Campbell has announced her return in the upcoming seventh movie.
“Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!!” Campbell posted on Instagram Tuesday. “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.”
Along with Campbell’s return, “Scream” creator and writer Kevin Williamson is taking over as director of “Scream 7.” He wrote the first, second and fourth “Scream” movies, in addition to executive producing the 2022 reboot “Scream” and its sequel “Scream 6.”
“It’s been nearly 30 years since my very first script, ‘Scream,’ was directed by the legendary Wes Craven,” Williamson wrote on Instagram. “I never would have predicted what it would become. Or that I would be directing the seventh installment of the franchise. I am overcome with gratitude and excitement, and I can’t wait to take this journey with Neve and the entire ‘Scream’ family as we bring back Sidney Prescott in the next chapter of the ‘Scream’ franchise. Thank you to all the ‘Scream’ fans. You are the gift that keeps giving.”
Guy Busick, who wrote the fifth and sixth “Scream” films with James Vanderbilt, is taking over the screenwriting reins. Vanderbilt will continue to produce alongside his Project X Entertainment partners William Sherak and Paul Neinstein. The film collective Radio Silence, who directed and produced the previous two “Scream” films, will serve as executive producers.
After returning in the 2022 reboot “Scream,” Campbell announced ahead of “Scream 6” that the salary offered to her “did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise.” Creator Williamson had been outspoken that the “Scream” team should offer Campbell more money, saying “I love everyone involved with ‘Scream’ and all I can say is pay her the money. Yes, you heard it, everyone. That’s what I would do. I would give her the money.”
Campbell’s return comes after Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, who starred in two previous “Scream” films, will not return for the seventh movie. Barrera was fired from “Scream 7” last year over social media posts about Israel. Shortly after, news broke that Ortega also exited “Scream 7” due to her filming schedule for Season 2 of Netflix’s “Wednesday.”
Campbell is represented by Gersh, Anonymous Content, and attorneys Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.
Read her full statement below.
“Hi All. I’m so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!! 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 Matt and Tyler 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‘! 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 @kevwilliamson.”
From Variety US