Horror aficionados have long deliberated over the ultimate final girl: Sidney Prescott or Laurie Strode. Thanks to Neve Campbell and Jamie Lee Curtis, Scream and Halloween stand out as two of the genre's most triumphant and beloved franchises. These resilient and unforgettable characters have fought against Ghostface and Michael Myers for years, grappling with both survival and the aftermath. Despite the myriad of characters that come and go in each series, none rival these final girls.
With the release date of Scream 7 still pending, fans eagerly anticipate Sidney Prescott's return to the silver screen. When juxtaposed with David Gordon Green's Halloween trilogy, Scream 7 must sidestep certain pitfalls encountered in Laurie Strode's narrative.
Scream 7's Imperative: Spotlight Neve Campbell Unlike Halloween Kills' Treatment of Jamie Lee Curtis
The return of Neve Campbell in Scream enthused fans, given her status as the ultimate final girl. Therefore, Sidney Prescott must assume a central role upon her comeback to the slasher franchise. Her reprisal carries significant weight due to her legacy and absence from Scream 6. Failing to place her as the focal point once more would be a disservice.
While Laurie Strode takes the lead in 2018's Halloween, the emphasis in Halloween Kills shifts to other characters like Tommy Doyle (Anthony Michael Hall), Lindsey Wallace (Kyle Richards), Allyson Nelson (Andi Matichak), and Karen Nelson (Judy Greer). This shift stems from the overarching plotline of a vengeful mob pursuing the infamous antagonist Michael Myers. Given the influx of new characters in Scream (2022), Sidney risks being relegated to a secondary role instead of the pivotal figure capable of defeating Ghostface. This possibility looms larger for Scream 7, particularly if a sizable ensemble is announced.
Sidney should also evade incapacitation in Scream 7, echoing the critical misstep in Halloween Kills. By confining Laurie to a hospital bed for a substantial portion of the film, the decision puzzled audiences, questioning the necessity of this plot development. Witnessing Laurie's diminished involvement in Halloween Kills was disheartening, and a similar fate for Sidney in Scream 7 would be equally disappointing.
Unveiling David Gordon Green's Halloween Trilogy Films:
- Halloween (2018)
- Halloween Kills (2021)
- Halloween Ends (2022)
Parallels between Laurie Strode and Sidney Prescott persist, encompassing their shared trauma, perpetual pursuit by their tormentors, and physical fortitude. For Scream 7 to thrive, Sidney requires a climactic showdown against Ghostface, with her survival assured. While injuring Laurie and placing her in jeopardy aimed to evoke tension and peril, it ultimately proved exasperating. Fans yearn to witness Sidney's ascendancy and potency, especially following Campbell's absence in Scream 6.
Evading Other Halloween Trilogy Missteps Crucial for Scream 7's Success
The Halloween trilogy faltered in several instances, notably in Halloween Ends. Examples include Laurie Strode's contrived memoir, Corey Cunningham's (Rohan Campbell) descent into malevolence, and Laurie's continued residence in Haddonfield, Illinois.
Scream 7 will steer clear of replicating the initial error. Sidney Prescott already chronicled her experiences in the poignant Scream 4, precluding a recurrence in Scream 7. While the fourth installment of the slasher franchise contained moments of melodrama, it adeptly delved into her past traumas with finesse. While Laurie's narrative rationale for penning her memoir is understandable, audiences found the accompanying voiceovers during her writing process superfluous.
Highlighting Sidney Prescott's Appearances in the Scream Series:
- Scream (1996)
- Scream 2 (1997)
- Scream 3 (2000)
- Scream 4 (2011)
- Scream (2022)
- Scream 7 (TBD)
It is improbable that a central character would masquerade as Ghostface in Scream 7. Speculations surrounding Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera) donning the Ghostface mantle dissipate following Barrera and Jenna Ortega's departures, definitively ruling out this scenario. The array of fan theories regarding the next Ghostface hints at a potential deviation, introducing a lone Ghostface or multiple iterations.
David Gordon Green's Halloween trilogy portrays Laurie residing in a comfortable abode in Haddonfield, endeavoring to forge ahead post her multiple encounters with Michael Myers. Given Sidney's departure from Woodsboro, California, her reversion to her hometown in Scream 7 appears improbable. Laurie's decision to remain in the locus of her trauma lacks rationale, paralleling Sidney's unlikely return to Woodsboro to establish a homestead and foster a family post her harrowing ordeals.