Summary
- Scream 7 should focus on Sidney Prescott to maintain consistency with previous reboot films and honor the original franchise.
- Each reboot film has centered on an original character from the Scream movies, like Sheriff Dewey and reporter Gale Weathers in Scream 2022 and Scream VI, respectively.
- Sidney Prescott's return in Scream 7 would be nostalgic and necessary to continue the trend of main characters from the original films playing vital roles in each reboot movie. It would bring closure to fans if it is the last reboot, or allow the franchise to move on if there are more films.
With Scream 7 in the works, the sequel needs to center on the original franchise lead, Sidney Prescott, if it wants to stay consistent with the other reboot installments. When the first Scream movie premiered in 1996, it was a cinematic game-changer. Directed by seasoned horror filmmaker Wes Craven, it breathed new life into the slasher genre. Neve Campbell starred in the original as Woodsboro teenager Sidney Prescott, who has to dodge the threat of a masked murderer who is on a killing spree in her town. The character continued to appear in most of the sequels as well.
The success of Scream was followed up a year later with Scream 2, and then Scream 3 arrived in 2000. Scream 4 was released in 2011, taking place 15 years after the events of the first film. More than a decade later, the seventh Scream movie is in the works.
Each Scream Reboot Has Focused On An Original Character
Although the Scream reboot movies introduced new characters, some of whom have connections to past killers, both Scream 2022 and Scream VI focus on a surviving character from the original franchise. Woodsboro Sheriff Dwight "Dewey" Riley (David Arquette), plays a central role in Scream 2022. A seasoned investigator of past Ghostface killings, Dewey helps the new gang figure out how to put a stop to the new masked villain. Though Dewey has survived many stabbings by multiple different Ghostface murderers, unfortunately, he meets his match with the new Ghostface when he is fatally stabbed in a hospital after saving Tara's life.
Scream VI shifts gears by putting the focus on writer and news reporter Gale Weathers. She has reported on all the past Ghostface killing sprees, and written in-universe books about the events of the previous films. With Dewey, her ex-husband, dead, and Sidney Prescott in hiding for her own safety, Gale is the only main character from the original films involved in the events of Scream VI. Gale assists Sam, Tara, and their friends in catching the new Ghostface, and is taunted by the masked villain herself.
Scream 7 Can Continue Its Reboot Trend If Sidney Prescott Returns
Dewey and Gale served their purpose as driving forces in the first two reboot movies, but there is no Scream franchise without Sidney. The original Scream queen is regarded as the lead role in the original films and the central character of the overall franchise. Neve Campbell reprised her role as Sidney Prescott for Scream 2022, but Sidney was notably absent from Scream VI, the most recent Scream installment.
While Campbell had her reasons for ing on Scream VI, Sidney was sorely missed from the film, and with the news of a new movie, there's reason to hope for Sidney's return to the franchise in Scream 7. Not only would her presence be nostalgic, but it would be necessary in order to maintain this established trend of main characters from the original films playing a vital role in each reboot film. If Scream 7 centers Sidney's character in the story, then the trifecta of the remaining main characters — Dewey, Gale, and Sidney — will have each gotten their own moment in the spotlight in the Scream reboots.
Neve Campbell has played Sidney Prescott in all but one of the Scream movies.
Sidney Prescott's Return Can Put The Old Scream Movies To Rest
The Scream reboot movies have done a great job of honoring the original films and characters while putting a modern touch on the franchise with new characters. While Scream 7 will, hopefully, not be the end of the road, nothing is guaranteed, which is all the more reason to bring Sidney back. If Scream 7 turns out to be the last of the reboot movies, then centering Sidney in the final film will give closure to fans and serve as a full-circle moment.
On the other hand, the Scream franchise may continue with even more reboot films. In that case, giving Sidney a proper send-off in Scream 7 will allow the franchise to put the original films behind. This move could also avoid any lingering questions about Sidney's fate or complaints about failing to properly pay tribute to her iconic character.
