No matter how many big names join the Scream franchise, the power of its '90s legacy stars just can't be topped
REVIEW -- Neve Campbell has made her long-awaited return as Sidney Prescott-Evans in Scream 7, the latest movie in the iconic slasher series.
Starring alongside her in the new instalment from writer and director Kevin Williamson – which opened in Aussie cinemas last week – are fellow legacy cast members Courteney Cox, 61, and, in brief appearances, David Arquette, 54, and Matthew Lillard.
Sidney returns for another epic fight against Ghostface killers, with her daughter Tatum (played by Isabel May) being targeted this time.
Watch the videos above.
Neve Campbell has returned to the Scream series, proving its '90s legacy stars are still its beating heart. Dimension Films
Campbell's return has thrilled fans, as she failed to appear in Scream 6 – which starred Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera – over a reported pay dispute.
One thing remains clear: you just can't beat the enduring power and legacy of the original '90s stars, and it seems movie executives know it.
Last week, Campbell, Cox, Arquette, Lillard and fellow '90s Scream alum Skeet Ulrich reunited at the Scream 7 global premiere in LA, delighting fans of the franchise.
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Campbell with fellow legacy castmates Courteney Cox, Skeet Ulrich, David Arquette and Matthew Lillard at the premiere. Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures
Dozens of famous faces have joined the Scream franchise, but you can't beat the power of its original stars. YouTube/@paramountpictures
Ulrich, who portayed Billy Loomis in three of the Scream movies, is not in Scream 7 but showed his support for his former castmates at the premiere.
The legacy stars beamed as they posed for snaps arm-in-arm on the red carpet.
Sharing pictures from the event on her official Instagram account, Campbell, 52, called it "a night to remember."
"30 years later and the friendships, the fun, the creativity still alive. So grateful for Sidney and the legacy of Scream. Love you, Wes Craven [director of 1996's Scream]. Love you, Kevin Williamson."
Per reports, fans are lapping up the latest installment of the legacy franchise.
So far, Scream 7 has brought in a whopping $US97.2 million at the box office globally, making it a franchise best.
Upon its release, director Williamson shared a statement to his ''Scream family,'' addressing Campbell's return as Sidney.
Director Kevin Williamson said Campbell's return as Sidney was "especially meaningful". Instagram
"Stepping behind the camera for this film has been a deeply personal experience," he wrote in his Instagram post.
"Having Neve Campbell back as her iconic Sidney Prescott was especially meaningful to me.
"Sidney has always been the heart of this story—resilient, brave, and fiercely human. Seeing Neve embody her again with such strength and grace was a powerful reminder of why this character has endured for three decades."
He went on to thank fans for their support over the years.
"The entire cast and crew gave their hearts to this film. We wanted to create something that feels true to what Scream has always been: suspenseful, emotional, and scary," he added.
"I am endlessly grateful for three decades of passion, loyalty, debates, rewatches, and theories. You've kept this franchise alive in ways I never could have imagined."
About returning to Scream 7, Campbell told Extra recently: "Well, they came to me with respect, which I was very grateful for."
"But I love these movies, you know, and when they talked to me about wanting to revisit Sidney's story and sort of see where she's at, at this point in her life, I love exploring that… These movies are just a lot of fun to be a part of."
Fans are getting a strong sense of nostalgia with the new Scream 7. FilmMagic, Inc
After seeing the film last week, and in a bid to not to give too much away, I can say Campbell's return was incredible and gave the fans exactly what they want: a familiar face back and ready for action.
Her onscreen reunion with Cox played right into the nostalgia of the original '90s film and what their legacy means to fans of the franchise.
Cox has a very memorable entrance in Scream 7, and the audience around me cheered and clapped when she came onto the screen.
The Scream franchise was born with the release of the original film in 1996. Dimension Films
The Craft star Campbell, who is also known for Wild Things, first appeared as Sidney Prescott in 1996's Scream.
Cox, Arquette and Lillard were also in the original film, alongside Ulrich and, memorably, Drew Barrymore.
In a fun titbit, Cox and Arquette met and fell in love on set while portraying Gale Weathers and Dewey Riley.
Rumours are rife already that there's a Scream 8 in the works.
Williamson told Deadline it might very well go ahead.
"When you're sitting on the set at 3 in the morning, you're like, 'Well, what would Scream 8 be about?' And you just start spit-balling," he said.
"Neve had this great idea, and everyone seemed to run with it.
"So yeah, if this movie works and people want it, we're here for the fans. So, if they want it, we'll certainly give it to them."
As a huge Scream franchise fan – and at risk of an obvious pun – I bloody well hope this is the case!
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