## Kevin Williamson Celebrates the First Day of Filming on *Scream 7*
Production has officially begun on *Scream 7*, slated for a February 27, 2026 release. Director Kevin Williamson marked the occasion by sharing his excitement on social media, posting a picture of the film’s clapperboard. He expressed his gratitude for the talented cast and crew, acknowledging the profound influence of the late Wes Craven on his career. This marks Williamson’s return to the franchise he helped launch, having written the screenplay for the original *Scream*. For *Scream 7*, he’s directing from a script by Guy Busick, who penned the previous two installments alongside James Vanderbilt.
The path to *Scream 7*’s production hasn’t been without its bumps. Initial plans involved *Scream* (2022) and *Scream VI* stars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, with Christopher Landon directing. However, reported pay disputes and other unforeseen circumstances led to a significant cast and crew shakeup. Barrera departed the project following controversial statements, while Ortega’s reported salary demands proved insurmountable. Landon subsequently left, paving the way for a retooled vision. This involved the welcome return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, along with a revised cast and crew.
This new iteration boasts a compelling ensemble. Alongside Campbell, the cast includes Isabel May as Sidney’s daughter, McKenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Sam Rechner, Anna Camp, and returning franchise star Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers. Mason Gooding also reprises his role as Chad Meeks-Martin. Discussions are underway with Patrick Dempsey about reprising his *Scream 3* role as Detective Mark Kincaid.
While official character details remain scarce, online speculation points towards a cast of teenagers – including Sidney’s daughter – and potentially a new generation of killers. This speculation aligns with the long-standing tradition of *Scream* introducing new characters and continuing the saga of iconic survivors.
The commencement of filming signals a significant step for *Scream 7*, promising a thrilling continuation of the beloved horror franchise.