The iconic masked killer Ghostface is back and more bloodthirsty than ever in the first official trailer for Scream 7, one of next year’s most anticipated horror films. The trailer, released Thursday, has caused a stir among fans of the franchise due to changes in the cast and the return of a central figure: Neve Campbell, who returns to play the unforgettable Sidney Prescott after her controversial absence in the previous installment.
The Canadian actress, who had stepped away from the saga after a pay dispute with Spyglass Media Group, finally returns for this new installment. In the trailer, she is seen once again confronting the dreaded Ghostface, in a tension-filled sequence in which she tries to protect her daughter Tatum, played by actress Isabel May, one of the most recent additions to the cast.
Campbell’s return marks a key moment for the saga, as his character, Sidney Prescott, is considered the heart of the franchise, present since the original 1996 film directed by Wes Craven. His return promises to bring back to Scream the essence of psychological suspense and classic horror that defined its first installments.
Although the trailer sparked enthusiasm among many fans, others expressed disappointment at the absence of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, who starred in the two most recent films: Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023).
On social networks, fans expressed their annoyance with comments such as: “We want Melissa” or “I’m not interested in any Scream movie without Jenna Ortega”. In addition, the hashtag #BoycottSpyglass began circulating on X (formerly Twitter), driven by those demanding support for Barrera and calling for a boycott of the production.
Scream 7: Melissa Barrera’s Firing and the Aftermath
Melissa Barrera, who played Sam Carpenter, was fired from the production of Scream 7 after making posts on social networks where she criticized Israel’s position in the conflict with Palestine. In her messages, the actress pointed out that “Western media only show the Israeli version”, a comment that the production company Spyglass Media considered anti-Semitic for “spreading harmful stereotypes about media control”.
The decision sparked a wave of criticism and divisions among fans of the saga. Many defended Barrera, arguing that the actress had only expressed a political opinion, while others supported the studio’s position, which defended its decision as a measure against misinformation and hate speech.
Following Barrera’s dismissal, Jenna Ortega, who played Tara Carpenter, decided to leave the project as well. Although it was initially said that her departure was due to scheduling conflicts, the actress later clarified that her decision had nothing to do with salary or other work commitments.
In an interview with The Cut, Ortega explained, “The Melissa thing was happening and everything was falling apart. If Scream VII wasn’t going to be with that team of directors and those people that I became attached to, then it didn’t feel like the right decision for my career at the time.”
Shortly thereafter, director Christopher Landon also left the project, describing his experience as “a dream job that turned into a nightmare,” adding even more uncertainty to the future of the franchise.
Finally, the production was left in the hands of Kevin Williamson, original creator of Scream and screenwriter of the first installments. His return as director was received with enthusiasm by the most nostalgic fans, who see in him the opportunity to reconnect with the original spirit of the saga.
In addition to Neve Campbell, the cast of Scream 7 will include Courtney Cox and Jasmin Savoy Brown, as well as the surprising reappearance of Matthew Lillard, David Arquette and Scott Foley, who will reprise their characters, despite having died in previous installments.
Scream 7 is scheduled for release in February and promises a plot full of twists, tension and references to the legacy of contemporary horror. With the return of Sidney Prescott and the direction of Kevin Williamson, the film seeks to revive the original essence of a saga that, despite recent conflicts, remains one of the most influential in the genre.
The new showdown between Sidney and Ghostface could become one of the most talked about cinematic events of 2025, marking a turning point for the future of Scream and its legacy within horror cinema.
Here you can see the trailer for ‘Scream 7’.
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