Following the departure of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega from the Scream sequel, the spotlight is on the potential return of characters in Scream 7. Ever since the announcement of the seventh installment in the iconic slasher franchise shortly after the release of Scream 6 in March 2023, fans have been eagerly anticipating details about the cast, director, plot, and of course, the new Ghostface.
While specific plot and character information remains under wraps, enthusiasts of the Scream series are on the edge of their seats to learn which familiar faces might reappear in Scream 7. There are several past targets of the Ghostface killer who definitely deserve a spot in the upcoming horror movie.
Who Deserves a Comeback in Scream 7?
Among the characters from the Scream universe who could potentially resurface in Scream 7, it would be intriguing to see a return of Kirby Reed (played by Hayden Panettiere) or explore a new narrative involving Gale Weathers (portrayed by Courteney Cox). However, standing out among the possibilities is the inclusion of the intelligent and sharp-witted siblings Chad Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding) and Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown).
Introduced in Scream (2022) as the nephew and niece of the original character Randy Meeks (played by Jamie Kennedy), a horror aficionado known for elucidating horror movie rules in Scream and Scream 2, Chad and Mindy play pivotal roles in the fifth and sixth installments of the slasher series. While Chad initially comes across as a popularity-driven high school student, his character unfolds to reveal kindness, perceptiveness, and sensitivity, especially evident in his relationship with Tara Carpenter in Scream 6. Mindy shares her uncle's passion for horror movies, making her an essential character in the pursuit of each new Ghostface.
Both Chad and Mindy actively engage in combatting the Scream Ghostface antagonists, underscoring the necessity of their return in Scream 7. Despite Chad's misjudgment of Vince Schneider in Scream (2022), it underscores his dedication to safeguarding his loved ones, a compelling driving force. In Scream 6, Mindy carries on Randy's legacy of elucidating horror movie rules, preserving the meta-franchise essence of Scream and ensuring the seamless integration of the fifth and sixth movies into the series. In her words:
She elaborated, "But not too new or the Internet goes bug-f*cking-nuts. It has to be part of an ongoing storyline, even if that story should never have been going on in the first place." Mindy further added:
If Kirby and Gale make a comeback, the interaction between Chad, Mindy, and the returning characters would offer an enjoyable dynamic. A memorable and comedic moment in Scream 6 occurs when Mindy and Kirby bond over their shared love for horror films. These four characters possess unique strengths and weaknesses, enabling them to support one another in overcoming challenges to confront the new Ghostface. Scream 7 should focus on the remaining members of the Core Four instead of resurrecting the specter of Billy Loomis (portrayed by Skeet Ulrich).
Which Cast Members Are Set for Scream 7?
While it would be logical for Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, and Courteney Cox to reprise their roles in Scream 7, their return remains unconfirmed as of mid-March 2024. However, with the recent announcements in March 2024, including Kevin Williamson's directorial involvement in the seventh installment, fans can rejoice in the certainty of Neve Campbell reprising her role as Sidney Prescott in Scream 7.
Given the survival of Chad Meeks-Martin, Mindy Meeks-Martin, and Gale Weathers through the Ghostface assaults in Scream (2022) and Scream 6, the odds are favorable for their return. Despite Chad's near-death experience in Scream 6, Guy Busick and James Vanderbilt, the scribes behind the fifth and sixth films, discussed in an interview with Business Insider their decision to keep the character alive.
Vanderbilt remarked: