Scream 7 Trailer: Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott Faces New Nightmare

After years of behind-the-scenes drama, Scream 7 is finally on its way, bringing Neve Campbell's iconic final girl, Sidney Prescott, back to center stage alongside her daughter for a truly terrifying new chapter.

TL;DR:

Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott is officially the main focus, protecting her daughter Tatum from a new Ghostface.
Major cast shake-ups led to original writer Kevin Williamson directing and a return to the franchise's roots.
The film hits theaters on February 27, 2026, with some fan-favorite "dead" characters rumored to make a comeback.

Well, fellow horror hounds, the wait is almost over! After what feels like an eternity of rumors, controversies, and nail-biting anticipation, the first official trailer for Scream 7 has finally slashed its way online, and boy, does it pack a punch. The biggest news? Our favorite final girl, Neve Campbell, is back as Sidney Prescott, and this time, Ghostface isn't just coming for her – he's coming for her family.

This isn't just any sequel; it feels like a homecoming, especially after a couple of turbulent years for the beloved slasher franchise. From major cast departures to a surprising change in director, Scream 7 has been on a wild ride. But now, with original screenwriter Kevin Williamson at the helm and Sidney Prescott firmly back in the spotlight, it looks like we're getting a true "back to basics" installment, much to the delight of long-time fans.

The Twisty Road That Led to Sidney Prescott's Grand Return

Let's be real, the journey to Scream 7 has been as dramatic as a Ghostface reveal itself. The past couple of years saw the franchise grappling with some significant turbulence, starting with the shocking firing of Melissa Barrera (who played Sam Carpenter) in November 2023 over her social media comments regarding the Israel-Hamas war. This move by Spyglass Media Group was widely seen as a misinterpretation of her stance and sparked considerable backlash.

Barely a day later, Jenna Ortega, who played Sam's sister Tara, also exited the project, citing a scheduling conflict with her hit Netflix series, Wednesday. With the "core four" of the new generation (Sam, Tara, Chad, and Mindy) effectively dismantled, the film lost its two leading stars. And if that wasn't enough, director Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day), who had replaced Radio Silence (the directing duo behind Scream 5 and Scream VI), also stepped down in December 2023, though he clarified it wasn't due to Barrera's firing.

This left Scream 7 in a precarious position, forcing a complete creative overhaul. And guess who came to the rescue? None other than Neve Campbell herself! She had famously sat out Scream VI due to a pay dispute, feeling that the offer from Spyglass was insufficient for a star who helped build such a massive franchise. But with the new direction, a "strong" deal was made, and Sidney Prescott is now front and center, ready to reclaim her throne.

It's almost ironic: what started with a pay dispute for Campbell and then escalated with the departures of Barrera and Ortega ultimately led to the very thing many fans craved—a return to Sidney's story. It truly feels like the universe was screaming for her to come back.

Sidney's New Life and a Ghostface with a Personal Vendetta

Scream 7 Trailer Unleashes Sidney Prescott's Most Personal Nightmare Yet image 3

The trailer for Scream 7 gives us a glimpse into Sidney Prescott's life far removed from the constant chaos of Woodsboro. She's built a quiet life, a new home, and most importantly, she's a mom. But, as we all know, peace never lasts long when Ghostface is around. This new killer emerges, not just obsessed with Sidney, but specifically targeting her daughter, Tatum (played by Isabel May).

The name "Tatum" isn't a coincidence, by the way. It's a poignant nod to Sidney's best friend, Tatum Riley (played by Rose McGowan in the original 1996 film), who met a rather gruesome end in Stu Macher's garage. This detail immediately signals a deeply personal angle for this latest Ghostface, and the trailer promises a terrifying dynamic: a traumatized mother now having to protect her child, much like Laurie Strode in the 2018 Halloween reboot.

We see Sidney teaching her daughter the "rules" of surviving a killer, a heartbreaking but necessary rite of passage in the Prescott family. This maternal instinct adds a whole new layer of intensity to Sidney's struggle, making every scare feel that much more impactful. It's a refreshing, yet classic, take on the horror genre, promising high stakes and emotional resonance.

Familiar Faces and the Shocking Returns of the "Deceased"

Scream 7 Trailer Unleashes Sidney Prescott's Most Personal Nightmare Yet image 4

Beyond Neve Campbell, we’re also thrilled to see the return of other franchise veterans. Courteney Cox is back as the ever-resourceful reporter, Gale Weathers, who survived a brutal attack in Scream VI. We also get brief glimpses of the surviving Meeks-Martin twins, Mason Gooding as Chad and Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy, though their roles appear to be more supportive this time around.

But here's where things get really interesting – and a little bizarre. Several actors who played characters who definitely, unequivocally, died in previous installments are reportedly returning! We're talking Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher (the original co-Ghostface killer), David Arquette as Dewey Riley (who met his tragic end in Scream 5), Skeet Ulrich as Billy Loomis (Sam Carpenter's dad), and even Scott Foley as Roman Bridger (Scream 3's Ghostface). This has sent the fandom into a frenzy of speculation.

The Never-Ending Mystery of Stu Macher: Is He Finally Back From the Dead?

The biggest buzz surrounds Matthew Lillard's Stu Macher. For years, fans have theorized that Stu somehow survived that TV dropping on his head in the original Scream. The idea was fueled by Randy Meeks's iconic line, "Never, ever, under any circumstances, assume the killer is dead," and Mindy Meeks-Martin even questioned Stu's death in Scream VI. Lillard himself has openly embraced the theory, stating on The Drew Barrymore Show and in interviews that Stu is "definitely alive" and that fans would "get a big kick out of it."

While original writer Kevin Williamson (who is now directing Scream 7) previously stated Stu was "dead" in a 2022 interview, his casting in Scream 7 alongside a Ghostface in the trailer who says, "Reminds me of where we grew up" (Woodsboro, Stu's hometown), strongly suggests a significant role. Could Scream 7 finally revisit the abandoned Scream 3 plot where Stu was alive in prison, orchestrating new killings?

The return of other "dead" characters like Dewey, Billy, and Roman could manifest as flashbacks, dream sequences, or even AI-generated voices to torment Sidney. However, for Stu, the persistent fan theory and Lillard's active participation could point to something more substantial. If Ghostface is Stu, the franchise will have a lot of explaining to do, but it would certainly be an explosive, full-circle moment for die-hard fans.

"I have made it very clear, I think publicly too, that Sidney has been through so much torment, and she has been through so much trauma, that to give her anything less than a happy ending is mean. It’s just sacrilegious."

— Kevin Williamson, Director of Scream 7

New Blood, Veteran Director, and the Meta-Commentary Debate

Scream 7 Trailer Unleashes Sidney Prescott's Most Personal Nightmare Yet image 5

Beyond the returning legends, Scream 7 is bringing in a fresh batch of talent to potentially fall victim to Ghostface. The cast of newcomers includes Joel McHale, Anna Camp, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Asa Germann, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Ethan Embry, and Mark Consuelos. It's a solid ensemble that promises to bring new energy to the franchise.

Perhaps the most exciting behind-the-scenes update is Kevin Williamson returning not just as a writer (co-writing with Guy Busick, with a story by James Vanderbilt and Busick), but also as the director. Williamson penned the original Scream and Scream 2, and directed Scream 4. His return promises a genuine connection to the franchise's roots, especially after the previous directorial changes.

One interesting debate among fans is whether Scream 7 will maintain the franchise's signature meta-commentary. Historically, each Scream film has cleverly spoofed or analyzed horror tropes and audience expectations. However, some early reactions suggest the trailer points to a more straightforward, intense slasher experience, focusing purely on Sidney's survival. While this "back to basics" approach might feel less meta, it could still deliver a truly terrifying and suspenseful film, reminiscent of the raw fear in the original.

Speaking of fear, Kevin Williamson has gone on record to say that he wants Sidney Prescott to have a "happy ending" and that it would be "sacrilegious" to give her anything less. He also confirmed that Sidney herself would be safe from meeting her demise. This offers a sense of relief for fans who worry about their beloved heroine, but it doesn't mean she won't face unimaginable trauma as she fights to protect her daughter.

With its blend of classic characters, high stakes, and a return to the franchise's foundational creative vision, Scream 7 is shaping up to be an unmissable horror event. Mark your calendars, because Ghostface is coming back to make Sidney's life a living nightmare once again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scream 7

Scream 7 Trailer Unleashes Sidney Prescott's Most Personal Nightmare Yet image 6

When does Scream 7 come out?Scream 7 is set to release in theaters on February 27, 2026.

Who is directing Scream 7?Kevin Williamson, the original screenwriter and co-creator of the Scream franchise, is directing Scream 7.

Who are the main returning cast members in Scream 7?Neve Campbell returns as Sidney Prescott, Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers, Mason Gooding as Chad Meeks-Martin, and Jasmin Savoy Brown as Mindy Meeks-Martin.

Is Stu Macher really returning in Scream 7?Matthew Lillard, who played Stu Macher in the original film, is listed in the cast, and the trailer features a Ghostface line referencing "where we grew up." While Kevin Williamson previously stated Stu was dead, the casting fuels a long-standing fan theory that Stu is alive. His exact role (e.g., flashback, dream, or fully alive) remains unconfirmed, but it's a huge talking point!

Sources: