Up until now, it’s all been rumour and speculation regarding a seventh Scream instalment. However, we finally have a concrete announcement, and to say it has shocked fans would be quite the understatement.
On Wednesday August 2nd news broke that not only had a seventh entry finally been greenlit, but that it would not be directed by Radio Silence. The filmmaking team have steered the previous two entries to enormous success, but are sadly unable to return. Reports suggest that Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media want Scream 7 in active production as soon as the Hollywood strike action is resolved, and unfortunately, are unwilling to wait until Radio Silence can complete their mysterious Monster Movie project for Universal. However, it is important to note that the trio are not deserting the series completely, as they will oversee the project in a producing capacity.
On the directing side of things, Paramount announced Happy Death Day and Freaky filmmaker Christopher Landon as their choice to fill the role. Landon certainly has the credentials to tackle a Scream film, with a firm grasp of its meta and darkly comic elements evidenced in his previous work.
But how does a new director affect other elements of the project, namely the cast? Well, unfortunately we just don’t know yet. As of this writing reports suggest that “deals are yet to be made” with cast members.
This is worrying, as the current cast are certainly used to working with Radio Silence and have struck up a close bond with the team. Could this cause the departure of some key figures? As frustrating as this may be, unfortunately only time will tell.
One thing that was confirmed prior to this official Scream 7 announcement was that series star Neve Campbell was in “active negotiations” with Paramount Pictures who were “keenly” pursuing her. Campbell was absent from 2023’s Scream VI after a salary dispute caused her withdrawal from production, but this nugget made fans hopeful.
However, Campbell has since stated that she “will not be negotiating further” until the strike action is resolved. Now, given the director shake-up, are talks with the actress in danger of breaking down?
Scream 7 is certainly becoming quite the controversial project already, still with so little confirmed but so much at stake. We will be watching developments closely and report any further news. We certainly wish both Christopher Landon and Radio Silence all the best and hope the fan support continues.
Currently, it is rumoured that Paramount Pictures are gunning for an October 2024 release date.
