Scream 7 Confirms the Franchise Has Lost 4 Things That Once Made It So Special

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As a huge fan of slasher films, I always think about where it all began. It really kicked off with movies like Psycho and Peeping Tom back in 1960, but it was the films of the 70s – The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Halloween – that truly established what we know and love about the genre. Then, in 1980, Friday the 13th sent things into overdrive! Honestly, though, the 80s got a little crazy with so many sequels and imitators being made so quickly, and it started to hurt the quality. Even the big names struggled in the 90s – I remember being disappointed by films like Leatherface: The Texas Chainsaw Massacre III, Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, and even Wes Craven’s New Nightmare. It felt like the genre needed a refresh.

The slasher genre was due for a refresh, and Scream delivered, thanks to Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson. However, with Williamson now directing Scream 7, it feels like much of what made the original and the series so successful is missing.

4) Genre Commentary

The first Scream movie cleverly used the tropes of horror trilogies, pretending to offer potential victims a way to survive, even though the killers had no intention of letting them. Scream 2 was a meta-commentary on sequels in general, and specifically what makes a horror sequel feel like a sequel – things like an increased number of deaths. Scream 3 played with the expectations of a final installment in a trilogy versus just another film in the series, pointing out how final films often give the villain an extra advantage and make even the main character vulnerable.

Scream 4 critiqued the wave of horror remakes popular in the 2000s and early 2010s, like those from Platinum Dunes and the Black Christmas remake. The 2022 film then focused on the trend of reboot-sequels and the strong connection fans have to these franchises. However, Scream VI took a simpler approach, largely avoiding commentary about movies themselves – except for a brief comment from Ghostface. Scream 7 continues this trend, and the series appears to have moved away from the self-aware, parody-like style that originally set it apart.

3) Humor

The recent Scream VI felt like a shift in tone, and some believe the franchise lost its sense of humor when Wes Craven, the original director, was no longer involved. Scream 4 was definitely the funniest film in the series, featuring two misleading opening scenes that were playfully addressed in the actual opening, and even a running gag about lemon squares.

The Scream movies took a darker turn with the involvement of Radio Silence. While moments like Richie Kirsch’s panicked outburst and Dewey’s worried reaction still exist, the films generally feel more serious. Notably, Scream VI and the planned Scream VII lack the comedic elements that previously defined the series—a surprising shift, considering that Kevin Williamson, who was responsible for the franchise’s humor, both directed and co-wrote the seventh installment.

2) Great Ghostface Reveals

Some of the most memorable Ghostface kills include the Psychoinspired reveal of Billy Loomis as a killer, the surprise that Debbie Salt was actually Mrs. Loomis, and Charlie’s attack on Kirby while pretending to be restrained. Scream (2022) delivered strong kills with Amber shooting Liv and declaring “Welcome to act three,” and Richie falling down the stairs before attacking Sam Carpenter. While the reveal of the Bailey trio in Scream VI* was somewhat expected, Liana Liberato’s Quinn’s fake death was a clever moment.

The big reveal in Scream VI now seems predictable because Marco and Jessica are so clearly established as the killers in Scream 7. With almost everyone else eliminated, they’re the only logical choice, but their reveal lacks impact since we haven’t really gotten to know them. While Jessica killing her own son is shocking, the scene overall falls flat, especially with the explanation of Jessica’s three strange motivations.

1) A Reason for Sidney to Be a Part of It

Sidney Prescott is a standout ‘final girl’ because we’ve seen her develop as a character throughout the films. She feels like a real person, not just a horror movie trope, and her involvement in each terrifying situation has always felt natural and believable.

It’s clear Billy and Stu had it out for her from the start, and even Mrs. Loomis couldn’t let it go, following her all the way to college for revenge. Then you find out Roman Bridger was her brother, fueled by jealousy, and Jill just wanted a piece of the fame Sidney earned. And losing Dewey was heartbreaking. But honestly, with this new movie, Scream 7, it doesn’t feel like the story was pushing Sidney back into action. It feels more like the studio just wanted another Scream movie and realized fans like me really wanted to see Neve Campbell back as Sidney.

Do you think the next Scream movie will be a success? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-09 23:12