(Image: Pinterest, Paramount Pictures)
With filming officially underway on "Scream 7," new cast announcements continue to roll in. The latest actor revealed to be joining the slasher sequel is "Community" star Joel McHale, who will play Sidney Prescott's husband, Mark Evans.
McHale's casting came as a surprise to many fans, as Patrick Dempsey, who played Detective Mark Kincaid in "Scream 3," had long been rumored to return. Following the departure of the previous two films' leads and a major script overhaul in 2023, the character was expected to be written as Sidney's husband.
(Image: Paramount Pictures)
According to a new report from industry insider Daniel Richtman on his Patreon page, Dempsey was indeed in talks to return, but the deal fell through due to his high salary demands. The studio reportedly countered with a contract for less pay and a smaller workload, which Dempsey nearly accepted before ultimately holding out for more money, causing negotiations to collapse. Richtman speculates that since Sidney's husband is still named Mark, the script likely underwent minimal changes beyond altering the character's last name.
Coincidentally, series star Neve Campbell previously exited "Scream VI" over a similar salary dispute with the studio. She only re-entered negotiations to lead the seventh film after the franchise's new protagonists, sisters Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, both departed the project, forcing the story to refocus on Sidney.
(Image: Paramount Pictures)
The cast for "Scream 7" also includes newcomers Anna Camp, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, and Isabel May, who will play Sidney's daughter. Returning franchise actors include Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown from the previous two installments, as well as Courteney Cox, who has appeared in every film in the series. The film is currently scheduled for a February 27, 2026 release in North America.
"Scream 7" will be directed by original series writer Kevin Williamson. The screenplay is written by Guy Busick, co-writer of the last two entries, from a story concept by his former writing partner, James Vanderbilt.
via： Deadline Daniel Richtman