While the production of Screams 7 seemed to be at a standstill, actress Neve Campbell and director Kevin Williamson announced their big return to the franchise.
If the name Kevin Williamson doesn’t mean anything to you, you didn’t grow up in the ’90s! Screenwriter of the first He shoutedreleased in 1996 and directed by Wes Craven, it renewed the genre of slasher, adding a generous dose of meta. In fact, the characters are very aware of the conventions of this marked horror genre (how to say ” I will be right back “ and never come back, nor scream ” behind you ! “), and it doesn’t matter… before we are killed one after the other! We also owe him the scenarios of other pop culture nuggets the ninetiesAS Remember last summer (1997) e The faculty (1998); as well as the series Dawson (a fictionalized version of his adolescence) e The Vampire Diaries.
An unexpected return, with 90s vibes
In a long post, Neve Campbell, interpreter of Sidney Prescott, last girl original (and which remains so during the first four parts of the He shouted) explained his joy in collaborating with Kevin Williamson again.
“I am so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is back!!!! It has always been a pleasure and an honor to play Sidney in the Scream films. My appreciation for these films and what they mean to me has never wavered. I am very happy and proud to say that I have been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Actually, I could.
While I was incredibly lucky to make these films with horror master Wes Craven and the talented team of Matt and Tyler, I have dreamed for many years how amazing it would be to make one of those films with Kevin Williamson at the helm. Done deal: Kevin Williamson will direct Scream 7! It was his child and it was his brilliant mind that imagined this world. Kevin is not only a source of inspiration as an artist, he is also a dear friend for many years. I hope Scream fans are as excited as I am. See you on set @kevwilliamson. »
Neve Campbell on Instagram
For his part, Kevin Williamson reposted Neve Campbell’s message, adding:
“It’s been almost 30 years since my very first screenplay, Scream, was directed by the legendary Wes Craven. I could never have predicted what it would become. Nor that I would direct the seventh part of the franchise. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and excitement, and I can’t wait to embark on this journey with Neve and the entire Scream family as we bring Sidney Prescott back in the next chapter of the Scream series. Thanks to all the Scream fans. You are our gift. @nevecampbell See you on set. »
Read also: Ode to the new Scream, a monstrous favorite, no offense to horror snobs
Justice for Neve Campbell…
The first fans of the franchise He shouted will be equally thrilled and delighted by these heralded nostalgic takes from the ’90s. With just one caveat: the screenplay is not written by Kevin Williamson, but by Guy Busick, the co-writer of Screams 5 AND 6. Still a sensible choice Screams 7 it should be the last part of a trilogy that began in 2022 and has seen many twists and turns.
The first of these concerns the withdrawal of Neve Campbell from the sixth part. In June 2022, a few days before filming began on Screams 6, the star had left the horror saga due to salary conflicts with Paramount. Some time later, Kevin Williamson, then producer of the franchise, begged the studios for him “give your money”. Our little feminist hearts beat strong for Neve Campbell (pay injustices affect actresses too), that she deserved to be paid the right price and celebrated for everything she brought to this cult franchise. The announcement of her return for Screams 7 makes us say, “good queen” ! But there are some buts…
…But not for Melissa Barrera
The film Screams 6 – the only one in the franchise to do without Neve Campbell – continued the story that had begun Scream 5 (2022). Ghostface attacked sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter, played by Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. This revival of the franchise, with a group of young, engaging and mostly racialized characters, was a real success. We liked protagonists like Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown), the niece of the late Randy, queer and cinema expert. This breath of fresh air was part of the progressive DNA of He shouteda slasher that’s more feminist than it sounds, with its resilient and complex female characters. Screams 7 was supposed to close this trilogy (i Screams 5, 6 AND 7), in which Sydney appears to be a veteran character, but not the direct target of the assassins.
But in November 2023, production company Spyglass Media fired its lead actress, Melissa Barrera, after she expressed her support for the Palestinian people. A few days later, Jenna Ortega officially announced her departure from the franchise “Agenda conflict” with other productions, the young star saw his popularity skyrocket following the global success of the series Wednesday on Netflix. We suspect a brotherhood with Melissa Barrera, without it having been officially confirmed by the main interested parties. In the wake of this debacle, Christopher Landon, the director of Screams 7throws in the towel, disappointed. “It was my dream job and it turned into a nightmare. My heart bleeds for everyone involved. Everyone. But it’s time to move on.”He explains.
So we thought Ghostface had put his knives aside for an early retirement, but Hollywood hadn’t had the last word. In recent months, the production has been negotiating in the shadows the return of Kevin Williamson to direct the seventh part, and of Neve Campbell. Nothing less was needed to save this adrift franchise!
Scream fans are divided
This announcement was received in a mixed manner on social networks. Under Neve Campbell’s post, fan comments oscillate between excitement and anger, with many explaining that they will boycott the film despite their love for the actress and the franchise. “We won’t be watching it, unfortunately. Spyglass deserves to face the consequences of how they treated Melissa. I’m happy that they’re finally paying you what you deserve, but it’s not fair because it comes at the cost of firing Melissa,” explains a fan.
Others highlight the lack of sisterhood between the actress and her racialized colleague:
“Signing for a film owned by people who fired a black actress for speaking out against genocide is extremely disappointing – after they humiliated you the last time,” another fan wrote.
In fact, we see that the production gets away with a pirouette and will continue to collect greenbacks, while the Mexican actress Melissa Barrera tries to continue her career as best she can. We will console ourselves by going to see her Abigaila horror film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (the makers of Scream 5 and 6), which will be released next May. As for the future Screams 7, fans are faced with a dilemma. Can we rush to theaters and donate money to this production company with a clear conscience? Everyone will form their own opinion.
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Source: Madmoizelle
Mary Crossley is an author at “The Fashion Vibes”. She is a seasoned journalist who is dedicated to delivering the latest news to her readers. With a keen sense of what’s important, Mary covers a wide range of topics, from politics to lifestyle and everything in between.
