Sidney Prescott holds a special place in the hearts of horror fans. After appearing in five of the last six Scream films, her presence has become a staple of the franchise only just behind Ghostface. In lists of the greatest final girls of all time, Sidney consistently ranks among the genre’s heavy hitters, such as Laurie Strode in the Halloween franchise and Ellen Ripley in the Alien franchise.
Sidney stands out because she remains relatable while portraying her inner strength. Unlike other final girls who display next-level badassery and combat skills, Sidney shows her vulnerable side, often appearing terrified and out of her depth. Despite fearing for her life, she always rises to the occasion and becomes resourceful when it counts.
Despite the near-universal admiration for Sidney’s character, Sidney’s announced return to Scream 7 (2025) was met with a mixed response. When Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega dropped out of Scream 7, observers expressed disappointment that the series would continue the story of Barrera and Ortega’s characters, Sam and Tara Carpenter. Neve Campbell, who did not sign up for Scream 7(2023) due in part to a salary dispute, signed on shortly afterward to star in the film.
Challenges For An Older Sidney
The decision to bring back Campbell’s Sidney back comes with risk. Critics may feel frustrated about stepping away from the next generation and returning to a character audiences are already familiar with. The naysayers need not worry; Sidney’s presence does not necessarily mean that Scream 7 will be a step backward. Fans should give Scream 7‘s filmmakers the chance to forge new ground with their latest entry alongside the Scream franchise’s most well-known heroine.
One angle that Scream 7 will likely explore is Sidney’s new status as a wife and mother. In previous installments, Sidney’s focus was on fighting for her survival and coming to terms with trauma stemming from her encounters with Ghostface. Now, Sidney will face a different type of conflict as she looks after the needs of her loved ones, whom Ghostface will almost certainly target.
From an emotional standpoint, there is uncharted territory to explore here. Has Sidney’s past entanglements with Ghostface strained her marriage and ability to be a healthy partner? What impact would the potential death of Sidney’s husband, Mark Kincaid, have on Sidney? How has Sidney discussed her past with Ghostface with her kids, if at all?
The emphasis on family could motivate Sidney to take on a more proactive role than she has before. While Sidney helped unravel the mystery of Ghostface’s identity in previous films, she did so mainly out of desperation and self-preservation. It would be a welcome change of pace for Sidney to actively pursue Ghostface, whether in an official capacity by aiding a formal investigation or on her own to ensure her family’s safety. Perhaps Sidney could discover Ghostface’s identity before the killer reveals his or her identity or even kill Ghostface herself.
While Scream 7 can and should look at unexplored avenues of Sidney’s character, the film does not necessarily need to reinvent Sidney to feel fresh. If anything, Sidney can be a reliable foundation to build the film’s take on Ghostface and high-level ideas.
A Killer Connection
For most of the Scream franchise, Ghostface has connected in some way to Sidney. Some Ghostface killers, like Billy Loomis in Scream (1996) and Mrs. Loomis in Scream 2 (1997), sought vengeance on Sidney for a perceived familial slight. Others, like Jill Roberts in Scream 4 (2011) and Scream (2022), sought fame, attention, and a connection to the Scream story and, by extension, Sidney.
A simple way to change up the Scream formula would be to bring in one or more Ghostface killers without a direct connection to Sidney. A previous rumor suggested the rise of a cult of Ghostface, focusing on a group of converts’ near-religious zeal rather than a personal grudge. Another popular theory suggests that a serial killer is taking on Ghostface’s mantle to hide their previous killing spree and throw off the police. These concepts would force Sidney to reckon with an entirely unexpected type of foe, which she is unprepared to reckon with.
Scream 7 could also shine by exploring modern concepts. One possibility would be to mirror Scream 3’s film focus, but this time introduce a documentary or a comic convention focused on the Ghostface phenomenon. This take would allow the film to explore how narratives can be distorted, omitted, or exaggerated depending on how one frames a story. Alternatively, the film could highlight the use of new technology such as AI, Internet communities formed through chat forums or social media, or fake media stories to comment on our current cultural moment.
There are many ways Scream 7 could go wrong. The worst move would be for the latest entry to lean too heavily into nostalgia without introducing a different perspective. An overreliance on legacy characters like journalist Gale Weathers would especially feel tired
The return of Sidney does not automatically mean the Scream franchise has run its course, though. If anything, Sidney is such a standard part of the series that it leaves many doors open. The best version of Scream 7 would force an old favorite like Sidney to grapple with completely unknown—and horrifying—circumstances beyond anything she has faced before.
Images courtesy of Browne Harris / Paramount Pictures, The Mary Sue, and Film Threat
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