The fate of Scream 7 is still unclear, but the direction of the sequel already ruined a risky Ghostface twist that was technically set up back in 1996’s Scream. Since Wes Craven’s original Scream movie released, the franchise has seen two reboots, with Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett’s Scream in 2022 launching a new set of reboot sequels, or “re-quels.” Franchise veterans Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), Dewey Riley (David Arquette), and Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) were all involved in 2022’s Scream, but the movie also passed the torch to a new set of characters led by Melissa Barrera’s Sam Carpenter.
2022’s Scream sequel also featured Skeet Ulrich reprising his role as Billy Loomis, one of the first characters revealed to be Ghostface. Shockingly, he was confirmed to be Sam’s real father, who she had been seeing in hallucinations. Even though 2022’s Scream incorporated Sidney, Sam emerged as the new central figure in the re-quels. Sadly, any hope of reuniting in the franchise has been lost, considering Barrera has been fired from Scream 7′s cast. The updates also killed any hope of a thrilling Sam subplot involving her father.
Scream 7 Could Have Fulfilled The Arc Of Sam Becoming A Real Killer
Ulrich has confirmed a three-movie plan for Sam’s Scream story, meaning Scream 7 could have seen Sam becoming a real killer like her father, Billy Loomis. In Scream 2022’s ending, it was a vision from Billy that motivated her to fight back against Richie. Her brutal kill implied that she might have lost control of herself a bit, which also came into play in Scream 6. Not only was she still struggling with being the daughter of a serial killer, but her connection to Billy strengthened in Scream 6‘s Ghostface shrine showdown against Richie’s dad and siblings.
Sam felt responsible for what was happening, but by deciding to put on Billy’s original mask, it was as if she accepted her identity and took the next step in following in his footsteps. Based on her character’s trajectory, it seemed as if Scream 7 could have fulfilled the arc featuring Billy’s child going on to become a cold-blooded killer just like he was 30 years prior. Ulrich’s comments fuel that idea based on the three-movie plan for Sam’s story. While it would have been thrilling to see what also happened with Tara, Mindy, and Chad in another sequel, the real mystery centered on Sam’s fate, but the franchise axed any hope of telling Sam’s full story.
Scream 7 Lost Its Chance To Resolve The Biggest Sam & Tara Mystery
Scream 7 has lost its two lead characters, Sam and Tara, and with this, it has also lost its chance to resolve a huge mystery about their family.
Sam’s Killer Arc Could Have Finally Put To Rest A Divisive Sidney Prescott Theory
Sam copied Sidney’s Ghostface trick in Scream 6 by putting on Billy’s Ghostface mask and robe, creating a fun callback to when Sidney donned the killer’s costume. Interestingly, there have been many theories over the years suggesting Sidney could become Ghostface as the franchise’s ultimate twist. Sure, that outcome would have been a shock, but a final girl turning into a real killer is more suited for Sam’s Scream story rather than Sidney’s based on the groundwork the re-quels already formed.
Still, any hope of Sam becoming Ghostface or another type of killer will no longer be able to end the divisive theories surrounding Sidney taking a dark turn. It’s still possible that Campbell can return for Scream 7, but either way, the Scream franchise will likely never get another chance to fully explore what was originally planned for Barrera’s Sam. The character’s absence in Scream 7 also means that there are no logical ways to bring back Ulrich, seeing as it was Sam he was still anchored to.
Scream
- Created by
- Wes Craven , Kevin Williamson
- First Film
- Scream
- Cast
- Roger Jackson , Courtney Cox , Neve Campbell , David Arquette , Skeet Ulrich , Jamie Kennedy , Heather Matarazzo , Hayden Panettiere , Melissa Barrera , Jenna Ortega , Patrick Dempsey , Mason Gooding , Jasmin Savoy Brown , Jack Quaid
