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Returning Star Mason Gooding Joins “Scream 7” Cast

Mason Gooding is officially set to return for the upcoming “Scream 7,” produced by Spyglass Media Group and Paramount Pictures. He will reprise his role as Chad Meeks-Martin, a character he portrayed in both “Scream” (2022) and “Scream VI” (2023), as confirmed by a reliable source familiar with the film’s production.

Gooding will share the screen with Neve Campbell, who will be coming back as the iconic Sidney Prescott, alongside new cast members Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, and Sam Rechner. At this stage, it remains unclear whether Courteney Cox, Hayden Panettiere, or Jasmin Savoy Brown will reprise their roles. Notably, core characters Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega will not be returning for this installment.

The seventh chapter in this enduring horror series is slated for release on February 27, 2026, which is generating significant anticipation among fans.

Neve Campbell’s return is particularly interesting, given her exit from “Scream VI” due to a pay dispute. The franchise has been known to tackle themes relevant to its audience and has maintained a legacy since its inception. Created by Kevin Williamson with late director Wes Craven, the “Scream” series became a landmark in the horror genre during the 1990s by cleverly subverting typical slasher film clichés.

After the release of “Scream 4” in 2011, the franchise went into a lengthy hiatus until Paramount and Spyglass revived it in 2022 with a new installment featuring a mix of returning veterans like Campbell, David Arquette, and Courteney Cox, alongside fresh faces such as Melissa Barrera, Jack Quaid, Mikey Madison, and Jenna Ortega. The fifth film found considerable success at the box office, raking in $138 million against a modest $24 million budget. This resurgence has attracted a new generation of fans, bridging the gap between nostalgic viewers and newer audiences.

The “Scream” series as a whole has amassed over $900 million in worldwide box office earnings, securing its place within cinematic history.

For “Scream 7,” Williamson takes the helm as director, with Guy Busick contributing as the writer after Matt Bettinelli-Olpin’s departure. The film is being produced by Project X Entertainment’s James Vanderbilt, William Sherak, and Paul Neinstein.

In addition to his role in “Scream 7,” Gooding will star alongside Olivia Holt in the horror film “Heart Eyes,” which is scheduled for release on February 7, 2025. His rising career highlights also include roles in Kyle Mooney’s disaster comedy “Y2K” and his debut in the critically acclaimed “Booksmart.”

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