Scream directors Radio Silence recently revealed the reasons behind their departure from the iconic horror franchise. The duo cited Spyglass Media's desire for a quicker turnaround on Scream 7 as the primary factor. Despite their initial plans to create a new trilogy centered around characters Sam and Tara Carpenter, portrayed by Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, Radio Silence found themselves phased out of the project due to scheduling conflicts.
Following Barrera's dismissal over social media posts related to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Ortega also departed the upcoming installment, citing scheduling issues. Subsequently, Christopher Landon, who was set to direct the film after Radio Silence, also left the project. The directing team had envisioned a comprehensive story arc that would span multiple films, starting with Scream in 2022 and continuing with Scream VI in 2023.
Despite their disappointment at not being able to see the Carpenter sisters' story through to its conclusion, Radio Silence expressed satisfaction with the narrative closure achieved in Scream VI. The departure of Landon, who had initially been enthusiastic about the project, further complicated the film's production.
However, Scream VII appears to be back on track with the return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott and the involvement of franchise creator Kevin Williamson. Rumors suggest that other familiar faces, such as Courteney Cox and Patrick Dempsey, may also make a comeback. Campbell's decision to reprise her role has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some questioning her support for Barrera following the controversy surrounding her dismissal.
Despite the behind-the-scenes challenges, Scream (2022) and Scream VI are currently available for streaming on Paramount+, offering fans a chance to delve into the latest chapters of the beloved horror series.
