Hollywood is a complex web of projects, roles, and what-ifs. Every decision made by an actor can ripple into several other projects, causing fans to speculate and hope. One such decision is making waves in the horror fandom, hinting at the return of a cherished character.
A Franchise Missing Its Heart
When Scream 6 was released without Neve Campbell’s iconic Sidney Prescott, fans felt the void. Though Sidney has been Ghostface’s prime target since Wes Craven’s original Scream trilogy, a pay dispute with Paramount Pictures kept Campbell from returning for the sixth installment. Despite Courteney Cox filling the void as the sole legacy character in Scream 6, Sidney’s absence was noticeable.
“Scream 6 made a point to mention Sidney’s whereabouts, with the characters still being protective of her, proving she remains an essential piece of the story even off-screen,” an insider shared. With Scream 7 confirmed and director Christopher Landon at the helm, all eyes are on the cast. Returns from stars like Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, and others are anticipated, but fans are especially eager to see if Campbell will reclaim her legacy role.
The Lincoln Lawyer Exit: A Sign of Sidney’s Return?
2023 has been quite a year for Campbell. While she missed out on Scream 6, she did dazzle fans with roles in two significant TV shows. Besides portraying Raven in Peacock’s ‘Twisted Metal’ adaptation, Campbell reprised her character, Maggie McPherson, in the second season of The Lincoln Lawyer. Yet, as Maggie’s role in the show began to recede, whispers started that she won’t be joining the cast for the third season.
“Neve Campbell may not have appeared in Scream 6, but she was involved in two major shows released in 2023. Without being connected to the Netflix series, however, Campbell’s schedule may have opened up a bit more,” sources shared, pointing to a potential commitment to Scream 7.
The dynamics Campbell shared with her co-stars in The Lincoln Lawyer were palpable. Her exit from the show, while regrettable for fans, potentially signals more significant projects in the pipeline.
Sidney Prescott’s Potential Reprisal in Scream 7
If we step back and connect the dots, Neve Campbell’s decision to leave The Lincoln Lawyer might have been influenced by her prospective return to the Scream universe. Campbell has not yet closed the door on Sidney or the Scream series, making her potential return a tantalizing prospect for fans.
Before the announcement of Scream 7, rumors were rife about Sidney’s intended role in the preceding movie. Considering Sidney’s connections with characters like Sam (Barrera), Tara (Ortega), Gale (Cox), and Kirby (Hayden Panettiere), her return in Scream 7 makes perfect narrative sense.
“Sidney is also heavily connected to Gale (Cox) and Kirby (Hayden Panettiere), who could both return for another sequel,” noted a close source. A return to Scream 7 would offer Campbell a well-deserved platform to bid adieu to the role that made her a household name.
While the speculation is thick, concrete news on Neve Campbell’s future plans, especially concerning Scream 7, remains on hold. But for Sidney Prescott’s fans, hope has never been brighter.