The iconic slasher franchise is back, as Scream 7 nears its release date.
Directed by franchise creator Kevin Williamson, this seventh installment promises to deliver another chilling chapter in the Ghostface saga, with principal photography taking place at Lionsgate Sound Stages and other locations across metro Atlanta, including Great Point Studios in Douglasville and sites in Marietta.
The movie officially kicked off filming in Atlanta, Georgia, on January 7, 2025, under the working title Scar Tissue.
When Is Scream 7’s Release Date To Theaters?
The production wrapped in mid-March, paving the way for a highly anticipated theatrical release on February 27, 2026, marking nearly 30 years since the original Scream redefined horror in 1996.
Williamson, who penned the first four Scream films, shared his excitement on Instagram, calling the first day of filming “one of the best days of my life” and praising the “amazing and talented cast and crew.” The director, stepping into the role for the first time in the franchise, paid tribute to the late Wes Craven, whose vision shaped the series.
The clapperboard revealed in Williamson’s post, featuring cinematographer Tim Ives (Stranger Things), hints at a visually striking addition to the franchise, blending classic Scream aesthetics with modern flair.
Scream 7 sees the return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, the franchise’s beloved final girl, after her absence from Scream VI due to a pay dispute. Campbell confirmed her return in March 2024, expressing enthusiasm for working under Williamson’s direction.
Joining her are legacy cast members Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers, David Arquette as Dewey Riley, and Roger L. Jackson as the chilling voice of Ghostface. Surprisingly, Matthew Lillard and Scott Foley, whose characters Stu Macher and Roman Bridger seemingly met their ends in Scream (1996) and Scream 3 (2000), are also returning in undisclosed roles, sparking fan speculation about their involvement. Newcomers include Isabel May as Sidney’s daughter, alongside Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, Sam Rechner, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, and Joel McHale.
Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown reprise their roles as Chad and Mindy Meeks-Martin, maintaining ties to the franchise’s recent entries.
Scream 7 Filming in Atlanta: The Buzz, Fuzz and More
The film’s production in Atlanta has generated buzz, with the city’s dynamic urban and suburban landscapes providing a versatile backdrop for Ghostface’s latest rampage. Atlanta’s status as a filmmaking hub, bolstered by tax incentives and robust infrastructure, makes it an ideal setting for the high-stakes production. F
ans are particularly intrigued by the possibility of the film being set in Atlanta, as Scream 6 referenced the city as the home of Kirby Reed’s FBI field office and the middle school of two Ghostface killers, hinting at a potential “Cult of Ghostface” storyline. While Kirby’s return, played by Hayden Panettiere, remains unconfirmed, the Atlanta setting fuels speculation about her involvement.
The score, composed by Marco Beltrami, who worked on the first four films, will feature new tracks like “What’s in a Name” and “School Drama,” alongside the iconic “Sidney’s Lament,” promising to amplify the film’s suspenseful atmosphere. Beltrami confirmed completing the score in August 2025, sharing snippets on Instagram.
Scream 7 has faced a tumultuous journey to the screen, with significant behind-the-scenes changes. Original directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett exited in August 2023 due to scheduling conflicts, followed by Christopher Landon’s departure after the controversial firing of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega’s exit due to scheduling issues and creative shifts.
The film underwent a creative retooling to refocus on legacy characters, particularly Sidney Prescott, with a script by Guy Busick and a story co-written by Busick and James Vanderbilt.
Final Word
As Scream 7 carves its path toward its February 27, 2026, release, fans are eager for the return of Sidney Prescott and the franchise’s signature blend of horror, meta-commentary, and suspense. With Atlanta as its production hub, the film is poised to honor its roots while slashing into new territory, ensuring Ghostface’s legacy remains as sharp as ever. Stay tuned for more updates as production continues.
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