The Scream franchise, created by Wes Craven, has always stood apart from other slasher series. While iconic killers like Michael Myers and Jason Voorhees follow a predictable path of terror, Scream thrives on its mystery. Every film keeps audiences guessing, with a new face under the Ghostface mask in each movie. However, according to Skeet Ulrich, who portrayed the original Ghostface killer, Billy Loomis, Scream 7 was originally set to take the franchise in a bold new direction, one that could have forever changed the course of the series.
In a recent interview, Ulrich revealed that Scream 7 was going to feature a shocking twist where Billy Loomis’ daughter, Sam Carpenter (played by Melissa Barrera), would ultimately embrace her father’s legacy and become the next Ghostface. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen changes behind the scenes, including Barrera’s controversial firing, the franchise is now heading in a more familiar direction.
In this article, we’ll explore the original plan for Scream 7, the impact of Melissa Barrera’s exit, and how the film’s new direction might struggle to meet fan expectations.
Key Features of the Original ‘Scream 7’ Plan
Overview Table
| Feature | Original Plan | Current Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Main Plot | Sam Carpenter becomes the next Ghostface | Return of Sidney Prescott with a new generation |
| Ghostface Reveal | Sam Carpenter embraces Billy Loomis’ dark side | Old Ghostface killers return, including rumors about Stu Macher |
| Key Character Changes | Sam’s descent into evil, becoming a killer | Sidney has a daughter, Tatum, who joins her fight against Ghostface |
| Director | Christopher Landon, who replaced Radio Silence | Same direction under Christopher Landon |
The Original Vision: Sam Carpenter as Ghostface
The concept of Sam Carpenter becoming the next Ghostface in Scream 7 was a bold and innovative move. After Sam’s introduction in Scream 5 (2022), she was established as the new final girl, the daughter of the original killer, Billy Loomis. Sam’s struggle with her father’s legacy and her deep psychological trauma were key themes of the film. In Scream 5, Sam experiences hallucinations of Billy, guiding her through her darkest moments and giving her insights into the mind of a killer.
Skeet Ulrich’s revelation about the original plan for Scream 7 in his interview with Entertainment Weekly adds a fascinating layer to Sam’s character arc. “When we talked about coming back for 5, it was a three-picture arc for Billy Loomis to slowly turn his daughter into the killer,” Ulrich explained. The idea was that Sam would be pushed to the edge by the constant psychological pressure of her father’s ghostly influence, ultimately taking up the Ghostface mantle herself.
This direction could have added depth to Sam’s character, exploring how trauma, legacy, and psychological manipulation can break a person. Instead of just another victim or hero, Sam would have become a true embodiment of the horror that Scream has always touched upon, how a deeply fractured psyche can lead to tragic decisions.
“This idea of Sam becoming the killer is a powerful exploration of trauma,” says horror critic, Jessica Thompson. “It would have given Scream 7 an emotional complexity that would have resonated with audiences on a deeper level.”
The Impact of Melissa Barrera’s Firing on ‘Scream 7’
Melissa Barrera’s firing from Scream 7 after her comments on social media sparked controversy had a significant impact on the franchise. Barrera was set to continue her role as Sam Carpenter, and her character’s journey was central to the franchise’s future. With her exit, Scream 7 was forced to pivot and abandon its previous direction.
After Barrera’s departure, the film’s producers had to scramble to find a new direction, and they chose to return to a more familiar formula. This includes bringing back Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, the iconic final girl from the first four films. Although Campbell’s return is highly anticipated by fans, it also reflects a certain level of desperation. The decision to bring Sidney back is similar to how Halloween 2018 resurrected Laurie Strode after a long absence, trying to reignite the franchise’s core appeal.
But the reliance on familiar faces and nostalgic callbacks could also feel like a missed opportunity. Had Barrera remained, Sam Carpenter’s potential transformation into Ghostface would have set the film apart from its predecessors and created a fresh new path for the franchise.
‘Scream 7’ Now Feels Like a Step Backward
The announcement that Scream 7 will bring back Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott and feature a new generation of characters, including Sidney’s daughter, Tatum (played by Isabel May), indicates a shift toward the tried-and-true formula that has made Scream successful in the past. However, this reliance on nostalgia may not be enough to revive the series in the way that fans expect.
Comparison: New Direction vs. Original Plan
| Aspect | New Direction (Scream 7) | Original Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Character Focus | Sidney Prescott returns with a new generation | Sam Carpenter’s descent into darkness |
| Ghostface Reveal | Returns to the classic Ghostface mystery | Sam becoming Ghostface herself |
| Emotional Depth | Focus on Sidney’s return and family dynamic | A complex exploration of trauma and legacy |
| Innovation | Relies on nostalgic characters | Breaks new ground with a protagonist turning villain |
This new direction could serve to satisfy fans of the original series who were disappointed by Campbell’s absence in Scream 6. But it risks feeling like the franchise is repeating itself, especially with rumors swirling about the return of other dead Ghostfaces, like Matthew Lillard’s Stu Macher.
The Missed Opportunity: Sam Carpenter’s Dark Path
The concept of Sam Carpenter embracing the Ghostface persona would have brought something truly unique to the Scream series, turning a protagonist into the very thing she fought against. This would have subverted audience expectations in a way that no Scream movie has done before. Imagine the shock of realising that the one character we’ve been rooting for throughout the series is the one behind the mask.
Instead, Scream 7 now risks feeling like a rehash of what has come before, albeit with a new generation of characters. Bringing back Sidney and reintroducing old Ghostface killers is a safe bet, but it doesn’t offer the same narrative risk that Sam’s transformation could have. In many ways, this shift reflects the franchise’s struggle to move beyond its legacy and truly innovate.
“Horror fans crave unpredictability,” says film critic Leo Morgan. “The idea of Sam becoming Ghostface would have been a game-changer, not just for the Scream series, but for horror in general. It would have pushed boundaries, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be both the hero and the villain.”
Why It Matters?
The decision to turn Sam into Ghostface in Scream 7 could have revitalised the franchise and brought new life to a series that’s at risk of becoming too formulaic. By exploring the darker side of Sam’s trauma and legacy, Scream 7 could have given audiences something truly original, something that no other slasher franchise has done.
While the return of Sidney and the inclusion of familiar Ghostface characters will likely draw in nostalgic fans, the franchise might have missed its chance to take a bold, innovative step forward.
FAQs
Melissa Barrera was fired due to social media comments she made that were deemed anti-Semitic and inciting hate, leading Spyglass Media to part ways with her.
The original plan involved Sam Carpenter, played by Melissa Barrera, slowly turning into the next Ghostface, influenced by the ghostly presence of her father, Billy Loomis.
Yes, Neve Campbell will return as Sidney Prescott in Scream 7, marking her return to the franchise after being absent in Scream 6 due to a pay dispute.
While Scream 7 brings back Sidney and other familiar characters, it is expected to focus on a new generation of survivors. It will also explore family dynamics, particularly with Sidney’s daughter, Tatum.
