Neve Campbell to return as Sidney Prescott in 'Scream 7' after salary dispute
Good news, Scream fans! The courageous girl, Sidney Prescott, is back in the horror franchise.
Neve Campbell, the actress who played Scream's original protagonist, is returning to the beloved horror-mystery picture after rejecting a pay offer that she thought undervalued her contribution to the project.
The Canadian star shared the news on Instagram with a photo showing the script's title page for an "Untitled Scream 7" film, expressing her excitement and appreciation for her character.
"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," she wrote in the caption.
"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!!!" she continued.
Campbell also mentioned how thrilled she is that Scream, Scream 2, and Scream 4 screenwriter Kevin Williamson will be directing the next installment, succeeding Christopher Landon after the latter announced his departure from the series in December.
"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," she wrote.
"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," she continued.
Campbell gained popularity for portraying Sydney, the nemesis of the Ghostface killer in the 1996 smash film.
The actress exited the franchise in June 2022 due to a salary dispute. According to her, what was offered to her "did not equate to the value" she has brought to the offering.
"As a woman, I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to Scream. I felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise," she said in a statement.
Aside from Campbell, Scream's original stars such as Courteney Cox and David Arquette will be back in the new film. It will also introduce franchise newcomers including Mason Gooding Jr. and Jasmine Savoy Brown.
Further details, including the plot and date for the new film, are yet to be announced.
The previous entry, Scream 6, was released in March 2023. It starred Jenna Ortega, Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding.