Flop Alert: The Scream Franchise Is In Crisis, Neve Campbell and Patrick Dempsey on Wish List
Not even Ghostface could see this twist coming. The “Scream” franchise lost two stars this week, putting the seventh film in the series in a creative conundrum, according to sources familiar with the project. https://t.co/ElPuuCFZPC pic.twitter.com/gmuLuFjz8K
- Variety (@Variety) November 23, 2023
One source tells Variety that "before Barrera was fired, plans for the next Scream were being retooled." Sure Jan. "Ortega’s exit had required the creative team to make some alterations. There were still hopes that the actress might be convinced to come back for some sort of cameo. That no longer seems to be in the cards."
However, another source tells Variety, "Ortega was never in the mix for the new film."
They go on to say that Ortega and Barrera only signed on for two Scream films and that they fulfilled those obligations with movies five and six. They would have had to sign new contracts for seven.
The writers (James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick), "will now work on a fresh draft to present to filmmakers. Some set pieces and twists may be preserved, but the movie will need to find new protagonists."
Producers now have their eye on Neve Campbell to return. And possibly Patrick Dempsey, who they say, "had a scene-stealing turn in 2000’s Scream 3." Right.
They had hopes for Scream 7 to drop in 2025, and they could still possibly make that year work depending on the writers. They note that Scream films don't require extensive visual effects and can be produced quickly.
No talks with any actors has started. Spyglass had no comment.
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