Standing tall as one of the most widely recognized horror-slasher franchises, the Scream series has continued to hold its ground with several movies so far. Along with one TV show, the series is moving ahead with the development of a seventh movie but not without constant hiccups. A slew of bad news surrounding its cast, production crew, and directorial team sent shockwaves to fans, with more unexpected developments rapidly taking shape.
Beginning in the mid-’90s, the franchise quite literally revolutionized the genre with its unique blend of horror, mystery, and satirical humor. Additionally, it has constantly maintained a steadfast climb with the regular addition of new faces alongside popular ones like Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Roger L. Jackson. Meanwhile, the latest update from the sets of the upcoming movie, while in the franchise’s interest, may also possibly spell its doom.
Scream 7 set to make an irreversible move to the franchise
The forthcoming addition to the $913 million franchise, Scream 7, will take a massive time leap, according to information revealed by tipster Daniel Richtman (via Critical Overlord on X). Reportedly, the reason for the same is to aid the growth of Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescot’s kids, who will become central to the narrative. As per the current timeline, all of her children are yet to hit their teen years, indicating a jump of at least half a decade.
The reports also mentioned the next movie set to mark the beginning of a trilogy, likely extending the storyline for a few more years. While not explicitly mentioned, the next outing may look to cast fresh faces to play the new roles and move the Ghostface storyline ahead. Finally, all of these updates follow the string of incidents and changes following the release of 2023’s Scream VI.
Riding high with the story of Tara Carpenter, a key figure, played by Jenna Ortega it climbed up to a record-breaking opening weekend for the franchise by pocketing $44.5 million. However, the actress’ exit alongside Melissa Barrera cast a massive question over the series’ future with regard to the storyline, and hence the current moves.
Fans express their displeasure and reservations about the current proposal
The decision of a time jump and the start of a trilogy may be in the interest of the franchise, but it has distressed several fans for a wide variety of reasons. Many stated the consistency and linear timeline of the Scream movies, with each release year mostly corresponding to the in-universe time frame, as a major selling point. Thus, the jump will confuse both new and returning viewers and cause a story disconnect.
Meanwhile, several others cast their apprehensions regarding the start of a full-blown trilogy and instead were willing to start out with one movie at a time. The reasons came across as their current non-association with the kids expected to lead the franchise as well as a lack of clarity on the fate of the characters of actors who have exited their roles.
I don’t like that. Scream was always supposed to be a reflection the CURRENT times. Jumping into the 2030s feels weird.
— Jesse Camacho (@jesse115115) May 26, 2024
No other Scream movie did a time jump, so I don’t like this
— Tynan McDonald (@FandomAnxiety) May 26, 2024
A time jump? Another Trilogy? With her kids?
I kind of like that Scream is all one big timeline that is in order. It's one of the few franchises doing that. 😭
— Israel Joshua Davis (@izzyjoshuadavis) May 26, 2024
Lol oh God not another trilogy 😂😂😂
Let's take one movie at a time#scream— Fear Queer Horror Guru (@fearqueerhorror) May 26, 2024
Hate a time jump for this franchise
— Brendan McWhirk (@BackToBrendan) May 26, 2024
It's always a new trilogy
— Beam Battle!! (@Koahenshin) May 26, 2024
Scream was never supposed to time jump the whole point of this horror is to reflect on CURRENT times we can’t make up horror rules for a decade and a half later.
— clairos w33d pen (@clairosw33dpen) May 27, 2024
The rapid developments in Scream 7 forced the creative team to get back to the drawing board and start all over again. In turn, the movie’s release schedule may get a pushback and the initial expectations of a 2024 release will likely have to wait until 2025 or later. Moreover, with it not being the final movie in the franchise, given the plans for a trilogy, extensive creative and directorial overhaul lie in the offing.
