The first trailer for Scream 7 is here, and it brings Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott back to the center of the horror. This time, the terror is more personal than ever, as a new Ghostface killer emerges with a clear target: Sidney’s daughter. The trailer is packed with callbacks to the original film, culminating in a chilling hint that an iconic killer from Sidney’s past might be back.
Sidney Prescott’s Peace is Shattered
Scream 7 shows Sidney Prescott trying to build a quiet life in a new town, far from the bloody history of Woodsboro. This peace is shattered when Ghostface finds her, threatening everything she has tried to protect. The killer’s phone call to Sidney is a direct echo of the very first film, starting with a familiar, “Hello, Sidney.”
The plot focuses on a new Ghostface emerging in the quiet town where Sidney has built a new life. Her darkest fears are realized when her daughter, Tatum, becomes the killer’s next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must once again face the horrors of her past to end the bloodshed for good. The killer’s threat to “burn it all down” signals a more brutal and personal attack than ever before.
The killer taunts Sidney over the phone, saying her new town reminds them “of where we grew up,” strongly suggesting the villain has a deep, personal connection to Woodsboro.
The Major Clue in the Trailer’s Final Moments
The most talked-about moment of the trailer happens at the very end. As Ghostface burns down the house from the original film’s finale—the home of Stu Macher—a familiar voice is heard saying, “This is gonna be fun.” Fans are convinced the voice belongs to Matthew Lillard, who played the original Ghostface killer, Stu Macher.
This has sparked major speculation that Stu, believed to have been killed by a falling television in 1996, is somehow back. The trailer itself starts with a couple staying in Stu’s old house, which has been turned into a themed Airbnb, before they are attacked by Ghostface. The focus on his home and the familiar voice has led many to believe Stu is reclaiming the legacy he started with Billy Loomis.
How Can Stu Macher Be Back?
The big question is how Stu Macher could return after his apparent death. The Scream franchise has a history of characters discussing the rules of horror, and one key rule, stated by Randy in Scream 2, is to “never, ever, under any circumstances, assume the killer is dead.” This line has fueled fan theories for decades that Stu survived.
There are several theories about his return. One popular idea involves a modern twist: the new killer could be using AI and deep fake technology to impersonate the voices of past killers like Stu to torment Sidney. Another theory suggests a Ghostface cult could be at work, perhaps organized by Stu or his family from behind the scenes. This would align with original writer Kevin Williamson’s initial idea for Scream 3, which involved Stu orchestrating murders from prison.
Other Familiar Faces Returning
The trailer also confirms the return of other franchise favorites. Courteney Cox is back as reporter Gale Weathers, who is ready to help Sidney “unmask this f***er.” Also returning are Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown as the Meeks-Martin twins, Chad and Mindy.
In a surprising move, the film will also see the return of other actors whose characters have died, including David Arquette as Dewey Riley and Scott Foley as Scream 3‘s killer, Roman Bridger. How they will appear in the film remains a mystery, potentially through flashbacks or the rumored AI technology.
A Look Behind the Scenes
Scream 7 has had a significant behind-the-scenes shift. The film is now directed by Kevin Williamson, the writer of the original Scream movie. This marks the first time he will direct a film in the franchise. He takes over from the previous directors, with the script written by Guy Busick based on a story by Busick and James Vanderbilt.
The film also navigates major casting changes. Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) was fired from the project, and subsequently, Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) also exited the sequel. This shifted the focus of the story firmly back onto Sidney Prescott and her family, bringing Neve Campbell back after she sat out Scream VI due to a salary dispute.
Scream 7 is scheduled to slash its way into theaters on February 27, 2026.
Also Read: Matthew Lillard Returns for Scream 7 Sparking Speculation on Stu’s Fate
