Scream 7’s Tumultuous Return: Neve Campbell, a $500K Rewrite and Divided First Reviews

Early reaction to the new scream installment lands unevenly: critics published first takes on Feb. 26, 2026, and Neve Campbell’s return, a Kevin Williamson-directed screenplay and a shadow of behind-the-scenes turmoil make the film a headline this weekend.

Scream 7 headed to theaters this weekend

With the franchise’s 30th anniversary approaching, Scream 7 arrives this weekend with Neve Campbell back in the lead as a new Ghostface killer terrorizes her family, and the first reviews that circulated on Feb. 26, 2026 paint a split picture.

Critics’ takes — fierce praise and blunt dismissal

Christopher Campbell compiled the first reactions and critics offered a range of short, pointed judgments: Kristy Puchko called it "a return to form"; Peter Gray wrote "Scream 7 proves sturdier than expected… enough to justify its existence"; Pete Hammond said Williamson finally steering his own ship "proves well worth the wait"; Anthony O’Connor called it "far more engaging than any seventh film in a horror franchise has any right to be"; Grant Watson judged it "an entertaining movie, but it isn’t unmissable"; William Bibbiani warned "If you skip Scream 7, you’re not missing the best film in the franchise"; Owen Gleiberman labeled Williamson’s effort "really just… basic"; Manuel São Bento called it "a disappointing sequel"; Gregory Nussen wrote "for fans of the franchise, Scream 7 will prove to be nothing but a waste of time"; Taylor Williams said the film is "an exercise in what those films are ironically lacking: horror filmmaking fundamentals"; Kristy Puchko also noted the film "makes terrific departures from the franchise’s weakest points"; Peter Gray added the intergenerational dynamic and a mother-daughter relationship provide "emotional grounding amid the bloodshed"; William Bibbiani called it "one heck of an apology to Neve Campbell" and said "almost every scene is about how important Sidney Prescott is"; and Kristy Puchko concluded "Scream 7 may not be the best of the bunch, but it’s damn close. "

Behind the scenes: a 2023 firing, exits and a costly rewrite

The production’s road to release included a late-2023 firing: Melissa Barrera was dismissed by the studio behind the film after resharing social media posts that were deemed antisemitic; the reshared post accused Israel of "genocide and ethnic cleansing" and Barrera also reshared a magazine article alleging the Israeli government was distorting "the Holocaust to boost the Israeli arms industry. "

After Barrera’s exit, Jenna Ortega announced she would not return, citing scheduling conflicts with her Netflix series "Wednesday, " and director Christopher Landon left the project because he was receiving death threats over the firing even though he had not made the decision to remove Barrera.

At a creative crossroads, producers turned to franchise veteran Kevin Williamson to direct; Williamson and Guy Busick co-wrote the screenplay and the rewrite to adjust for the exits was pegged at roughly $500, 000.

Money, leverage and casting: big paydays and a push for nostalgia

Questions about returning without Campbell had followed the franchise’s recent entries, and executives were concerned after the sixth film when Campbell initially did not return over a salary dispute; final creative control rested with the production company. Scream VI had previously earned $161 million at the global box office, and the seventh installment is tracking for a debut of $45 million to $50 million in North America — estimates that would deliver a series-best kickoff if they hold.

Campbell was able to secure a nearly $7 million deal to return, while Courteney Cox was awarded $2 million. Spyglass chief Gary Barber is noted as a tough dealmaker, and one analyst, Shawn Robbins, said: "Neve Campbell is to 'Scream' what Jamie Lee Curtis is for the 'Halloween' franchise. "

What’s next: release weekend and box office tracking

Scream 7 opens this weekend and box office tracking places the North American debut between $45 million and $50 million, with producers explicitly reshaping the film after the late-2023 personnel changes. Details beyond the producers' stated strategy are unclear in the provided context.

Audiences will see whether Williamson’s return to the franchise, Campbell’s nearly $7 million reappearance, the $500, 000 rewrite and the marketing push translate into the strong opening box office the team is projecting.