Scream 7: The Release Date Has Finally Been Announced!

Neve Campbell is to be the focus of the story as Sidney Prescott

By Jonas Reichel on

Ghostface returns: Three years after "Scream 6", the new chapter of the popular slasher series awaits us. The specific release date for "Scream 7" has now finally been revealed.

The movie will now be released in the United States on February 27, 2026. This is significantly later than originally planned: At the time, it was rumored that the new part would be released just one year after its predecessor. There is not much to say about the film's plot yet. However, initial clues suggest that the latest installment will focus entirely on Sidney Prescott and her family.

The production of "Scream 7" faced massive problems in the initial stages: first, lead actress Melissa Barrera was fired due to accusations of anti-Semitism. Shortly afterwards, Jenna Ortega and director Christopher Landon also dropped out of the production.

However, things then started to look promising again, as "Scream" icon Neve Campbell announced her return. This news must have particularly pleased die-hard fans of the franchise - after all, Campbell only had a minor role in "Scream 5" and didn't appear in "Scream 6" at all.

It seems as if they want to return to their roots. The movie is being directed by Kevin Williamson, the author of the original film series. We are excited to see in which direction the franchise will further develop.

The history of the "Scream" films at a glance

The "Scream" film series, directed by Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, revolutionized the slasher genre in the 1990s and had a lasting impact on horror cinema. With its mix of self-referentiality, black humor and brutal murders, "Scream" set new standards and has been followed by five sequels to date, all of which have been successful and made the franchise one of the longest-lasting in the horror genre. Here is an overview of all the "Scream" films and their significance for cinema.

1. Scream (1996)

The first "Scream" film was released in 1996 and hit like a bomb. Wes Craven, who was already celebrated as a horror master with the "Nightmare on Elm Street" series, created a satirical homage to the slasher genre. The story revolves around young Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) , who is terrorized by a masked killer known as Ghostface. The highlight of the film is that the characters are aware of the clichés and rules of horror films and constantly address them. The iconic line "What's your favorite horror movie?" made Ghostface one of the most distinctive characters in horror cinema. "Scream" took the genre to a new level and grossed over 170 million dollars worldwide.

2. Scream 2 (1997)

"Scream 2" followed just one year after the success of the first film. The sequel is set at a university where Sidney is now studying and is once again confronted with a series of murders. The rules of the horror film are also addressed again in this film, but this time specifically the rules of a sequel. "Scream 2" manages to maintain the intensity of the original while delivering new, creative kills. Critics praised the sequel for its suspense and clever meta-commentary. The film was also a box office hit and cemented the series' reputation.

3. Scream 3 (2000)

Wes Craven concluded the first trilogy with "Scream 3". The action shifts to Hollywood, where a movie is made about the events of the first two films. Here, the theme of the rules of a trilogy is brought to the fore. While the first two parts served more as a direct satire on slasher films, the focus in "Scream 3" shifts more to the film industry itself. The third part is considered the weakest of the original trilogy, which is often attributed to the sluggish production and weaker screenplay. Nevertheless, the film was commercially successful and provided a fitting end to the original storyline.

4. Scream 4 (2011)

Eleven years after the supposed end of the trilogy, "Scream 4" returned. At a time when the horror genre was dominated by remakes and reboots, the film offered a modern take on the slasher formula. Sidney Prescott, who has since written a book about her experiences, returns to Woodsboro only to be confronted by Ghostface once again. "Scream 4" deals with the rules of reboots and uses social media as a new factor in the horror genre. Although the film didn't match the financial success of the first installments, it was hailed by fans and critics as a solid sequel that upheld the tradition of meta-horror.

5. Scream (2022)

After a long break, the 'Scream' series returned in 2022 – this time without the late Wes Craven, but with a new director in Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. "Set 25 years after the murders in Woodsboro, 'Scream 5' follows a new generation of teenagers who are targeted by a new Ghostface killer. The return of original characters such as Sidney Prescott, Dewey Riley (David Arquette) and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) brings a strong nostalgia factor, while the film also comments on the modern horror landscape. The makers set out to pay homage to the series' legacy while also examining the rules of "Requels" (a mix of remake and sequel).

Image of SCREAM 5 Trailer (2022)

6. Scream VI (2023)

"Scream VI" continues the story of the reboot and moves the action to New York City for the first time. Sidney no longer appears, but the characters from the fifth part take center stage. The survivor group from "Scream 5" must face a new threat from Ghostface in the hectic and anonymous metropolis. The film plays with the idea that the urban jungle can be just as dangerous as the small town of Woodsboro, and offers some new creative kills and thrilling chases through the streets of New York.

Image of SCREAM 6 Trailer (2023)

The "Scream" series has managed to stay relevant for decades, redefining the slasher genre time and time again. With its clever meta-humor, thrilling twists and iconic Ghostface murders, the series not only provides gory entertainment, but also a profound reflection on horror cinema itself.