Neve Campbell Will Return to ‘Scream’ Franchise After All Following Pay Dispute

Well, Spyglass paid up to keep in the Sidney Prescott business.

Neve Campbell shared on Instagram Tuesday that she will be back for “Scream VII” after publicly shunning the project following a low pay offer — and that the movie is back on track after seemingly falling apart last fall.

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The actress, who has played final girl Sidney in the franchise dating back to the 1996 original directed by Wes Craven, also shared that the next film will be directed by Kevin Williamson. He was the screenwriter of the original “Scream,” plus “Scream 2,” and has served in roles as a producer or executive producer on the films since. Williamson steps in as director after Christopher Landon exited the film last year.

Guy Busick (2022’s “Scream” and “Scream VI”) is taking over the screenwriting reins as James Vanderbilt, who co-wrote both films with Busick, is now on location directing “Nuremberg.” Vanderbilt will continue to produce alongside his Project X Entertainment partners William Sherak and Paul Neinstein (2022’s “Scream” and “Scream VI”). Radio Silence, the directing duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett who helmed the two most recent installments, will serve as executive producers.

Campbell wrote: “Hi All. I’m so excited to announce this news!!! Sidney Prescott is coming back!!!! 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!!! Well actually I could. 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.”

Throwing the project into turmoil back in November was Melissa Barrera, fired from the project by Spyglass after she made pro-Palestinian comments on social media amid the onset of the war between Israel and Gaza. Jenna Ortega then exited “Scream VII” as well, seemingly in a move of solidarity with her co-star but officially pegged to scheduling conflicts. Landon’s own words at the time of his departure were scathing: “It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But it’s time to move on,” he wrote on social media.

Last year, Campbell told IndieWire, “It’s sad to me that they’re struggling at the moment. I would imagine that the people at the top are spinning a little bit, trying to make the right decision. I think I would imagine people want to do the right thing. I would hope. I love this franchise. I love it for Wes [Craven]. I love it for all the people who’ve been involved and even the newer cast. I would hope it doesn’t fall apart.”

Campbell is represented by Gersh, Anonymous Content, and attorneys Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole.

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