Courteney Cox Returns as Gale Weathers in Scream 7

Courteney Cox is officially reprising her role as Gale Weathers in the seventh installment of the Scream franchise. Fans had speculated about her return for months, but the confirmation came through a post by the official Scream movie Instagram account. Cox, who last appeared in Scream VI, is once again stepping into the shoes of the sharp-witted investigative journalist-turned-true-crime author.

The Scream franchise continues to hold onto its roots with Cox and Neve Campbell as the only original cast members to stay with the series. Roger L. Jackson, the chilling voice of Ghostface, is also returning, maintaining his streak as a key figure in the franchise.

Campbell notably skipped Scream VI, citing dissatisfaction with the offer she received. “I made a very difficult decision to decline,” Campbell explained in a statement, adding, “The offer did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise.” Her absence marked a major shift for the series, as it was the first film not to feature her character, Sidney Prescott.

While plot details for Scream 7 remain under wraps, fans are speculating about the possible return of David Arquette’s character, Dewey Riley, who was killed off in the fifth film. Dewey, a fan-favorite for his comedic charm, shared an on-screen and real-life connection with Cox, as the two were married for 15 years. Reflecting on his character’s death, Cox admitted in an interview, “It was sad because Dewey is such a beloved character. He brought a comedic twist to the franchise, and it was a real downer to see him go.”

The seventh installment will also feature a fresh lineup, including Patrick Dempsey, Isabel May, Mason Gooding, and Sam Rechner. Rising star Jenna Ortega is reportedly in talks to join the cast, adding to the buzz surrounding the film.

Scream 7 is set to hit theaters on February 27, 2026, promising to bring fresh twists while honoring the legacy of the iconic slasher series.