Scream 7 is no doubt one of the most-anticipated slasher sequels of all time. Like Ghostface himself, the series never quite stays dead, almost like it’s wearing Ghostface’s now iconic bulletproof vest. In 2011, Scream 4 almost killed the series for good, but then an MTV serialized reboot and surprise 2022 “requel” firmly reintroduced Ghostface, and Scream, to the modern horror canon. It’s not 1996 anymore. Scream 6 took the action to New York, and while a seventh installment was planned to conclude the arc of Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara (Jenna Ortega), Barrera was unjustly fired from the project, and Ortega subsequently left of her own accord. That left the series where it’s been once before– stranded without a paddle.
It was a surprise, then, when franchise scribe Kevin Williamson was announced to take over directorial duties, and even more of a surprise when star Neve Campbell, absent from the sixth entry on account of a pay dispute, announced her return. That’s wild enough, but then, in no particular order, the following cast members were announced: Courteney Cox, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Matthew Lillard, Scott Foley, and David Arquette. The latter three, as fans know, are all canonically dead in the franchise. Arquette is thrilled to be back, even spoofing his return in a recent Arby’s spot, which you can watch below:
It’s a cute ad, spoofing the iconic and delightfully dimwitted Sheriff Dewey Riley as he orders Arby’s steak nuggets, a buoyant return to form, especially considering his role in the upcoming sequel remains shrouded in mystery. He was brutally gutted in 2022’s Scream, of course, so whether he appears alive or as an Arby ’s-obsessed ghost remains to be seen.
For his part, Arquette recently spoke with Men’s Journal to reflect on not only his love of steak nuggets, but his history with the long-running slasher series. He shared, “I think Scream really understood something ahead of its time. It knew that fan culture was the future. It was also ahead of the curve in being a horror movie that had a self-referential element to it. It balanced horror and comedy in a way that hadn’t been done before.” He also shares his excitement about returning to the franchise, adding, “I was really excited to work with Kevin Williamson again. I mean, he’s the writer of Scream, and he’s directing this one.”
What this means for the franchise remains up in the air. If nothing else, Scream 7 promises one of the boldest takes on the classic, meta formula we’ve seen so far. With the release just months away, the Arby’s advertisement is no doubt an augur for more previews and teasers to come. Let me know your thoughts on the upcoming sequel over on Twitter @Chadiscollins, and while you’re there, let me know whether I should give those steak nuggets a try. They’re calling for me.
Scream 7 will hit theaters on February 27, 2026.
Categorized: News
