Neve Campbell is set to reprise her iconic role as Sidney Prescott in the upcoming installment of the “Scream” franchise, aptly titled “Scream 7.”
The 50-year-old actor took to her Instagram page on March 12 to announce her return to the beloved horror series, marking her comeback after a salary dispute prevented her from appearing in the sixth film.
Campbell’s casting revelation comes in the wake of Spyglass Media Group’s decision to drop Melissa Barrera from the franchise. Barrera, who starred in “Scream VI,” was removed from the project after sharing Instagram posts criticizing Israel during its conflict with Palestine following a terrorist attack by Hamas on Oct. 7.
In her Instagram post, Campbell shared a snapshot of the script, teasing fans with the film’s working title, “Untitled Scream 7,” and revealing that Kevin Williamson, the original film’s writer, will take the director’s chair for this installment.
“I’m so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!!” Neve Campbell exclaimed in the caption. “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.”
Neve Campbell’s Return Met With Mixed Reactions
However, Campbell’s announcement was met with mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing disappointment over the handling of Barrera’s departure.
“Neve, I love this but after how Spyglass handled Melissa the fans are annoyed,” one commenter wrote. “I’m not sure if I can get on board.”
“After what they did to you and Melissa? Nope. Sorry!” echoed another sentiment.
Campbell’s decision to return to the franchise marks a turnaround from her previous stance in 2022 when she declined to appear in the sixth installment. At the time, she cited a disparity in the offer she received compared to her contribution and value to the franchise over the past 25 years.
“I did not feel that what I was being offered equated to the value that I bring to this franchise, and have brought to this franchise, for 25 years,” Campbell told People.
“And as a woman in this business, I think it’s really important for us to be valued and to fight to be valued.”
Campbell’s return to the series promises to reignite nostalgia for fans of the “Scream” franchise while also sparking discussions about the treatment of cast members in the industry.