The highly anticipated return of Ghostface to the big screen is set to create a significant impact at the box office, with “Scream 7” projected to debut between $45 million and $50 million in North America. This impressive opening would mark a record for the franchise, showcasing the efforts by Paramount and Spyglass in revitalizing a series that faced challenges a decade ago.
However, the road to this new installment has not been without its hurdles. The film underwent significant changes following the controversial firing of Melissa Barrera, a leading star from the previous two installments. Barrera was dismissed by Spyglass after she shared social media posts considered antisemitic amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Her departure resulted in backlash from fans and led to her on-screen sister, Jenna Ortega, opting out of “Scream 7” due to scheduling conflicts with her Netflix series “Wednesday”.
This tumultuous period also saw director Christopher Landon leave the project, having received death threats relating to Barrera’s firing, despite not being involved in the decision. In response to the challenges, producers have recruited franchise veteran Kevin Williamson to take over directing duties and he collaborated with writer Guy Busick to rework the screenplay, incurring an estimated $500,000 cost for revisions, which is minor for a franchise of this scale.
Concerns about creating a “Scream” film without Neve Campbell, who did not return due to a salary dispute, were alleviated after the success of “Scream VI,” which grossed $161 million globally. Nonetheless, without the rising star Ortega, Paramount and Spyglass recognized they needed a strong marketing angle. Consequently, they negotiated a nearly $7 million deal for Campbell to return, along with a $2 million contract for Courteney Cox, a staple of the series since its inception.
As analysts note, the nostalgia for Neve Campbell parallels that of Jamie Lee Curtis in the “Halloween” franchise, signaling her strong appeal to fans of the original films. The studios are banking on not just nostalgia but also the steady popularity of horror films to drive “Scream 7” to new heights. While Paramount has set a more conservative debut forecast of around $40 million, other assessments predict it could surpass the $50 million mark.
Production costs for “Scream 7” rose to $45 million, an increase from the sixth film’s $35 million, influenced by inflation and the delays in production. Despite initial concerns about losing audience momentum and fan discontent over cast changes, enthusiasm is growing around the return of certain beloved characters.
Looking ahead, insiders hint that Ghostface’s killing spree may not end with “Scream 7,” as plans are reportedly underway for an eighth film, leaving fans eager to see how the story continues.