Neve Campbell has made a huge U-turn by returning to the ‘Scream’ franchise.
Neve Campbell has made a huge U-turn by returning to the ‘Scream’ franchise
The 50-year-old actress played serial killer target Sidney in the first 1996 installment of the series, and returned for each of the sequels except the 2023 sixth entry – which she quit in a row over her pay packet.
But she announced on Instagram on Tuesday (12.03.24) she was coming back to the role by sharing a photo of a script for ‘Scream 7’, which she captioned: “I’m so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!!”
Neve added: “It’s always been such a blast and an honor to get to play Sidney in the ‘Scream’ movies.
“My appreciation for these films and for what they have meant to me, has never waned.
“I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled!!!”
Neve also confirmed Kevin Williamson, 58, who wrote the original 1996 ‘Scream’ film, will direct the upcoming seventh installment.
She added: “While I’ve been so incredibly lucky to make these films with both the master of horror Wes Craven and the wonderfully talented Matt and Tyler team, I’ve dreamt for many years of how amazing it would be to make one of these movies with Kevin Williamson at the helm.
“And now it’s happening, Kevin Williamson is going to direct ‘Scream 7’!
“This was his baby and it’s his brilliant mind that dreamt up this world. Kevin is not just an inspiration as an artist but has been a dear friend for many years.
“To the amazing Scream fans, I hope you are as excited as I am. See you on set @kevwilliamson.”
Kevin added on Instagram: “It’s been nearly 30 years since my very first script, ‘Scream’, was directed by the legendary Wes Craven.
“I never would have predicted what it would become. Or that I would be directing the seventh installment of the franchise.
“I am overcome with gratitude and excitement, and I can’t wait to take this journey with Neve and the entire ‘Scream’ family as we bring back Sidney Prescott in the next chapter of the ‘Scream’ franchise.
“Thank you to all the Scream fans. You are the gift that keeps giving. @nevecampbell See you on set.”
Neve said at the time she quit ‘Scream 6’ she “felt the offer” on the table for her return “did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise”.
She told People in 2022 about walking away from the film: “I don’t know that I’m done for good.
“It would really depend on what they came to me with next. It would have to be different. It would have to be a different attitude, and I’m not sure that's going to happen.
“If they came to me with a number that felt right, that felt respectful, that felt in keeping with my value that I brought to the franchise, I’d be willing to consider (coming back.)”
Tagged in Wes Craven Neve Campbell Kevin Williamson