Scream 7 is already drawing divided responses ahead of its theatrical debut. Early viewers are split over the direction of the latest installment in the long-running horror franchise. Directed by Kevin Williamson, the film marks the return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott.
Scream 7 gets first reactions
Initial reactions to Scream 7 have emerged online ahead of its theatrical release, with early viewers offering a wide range of opinions on the latest installment in the horror franchise. The film is set to arrive in U.S. theaters on February 27, 2026.
The new chapter follows Sidney Prescott, once again played by Neve Campbell, who is drawn back into violence when another Ghostface killer emerges. Now living a quieter life, Sidney faces renewed danger as her daughter, portrayed by Isabel May, becomes the latest target.
Early reactions on X (formerly Twitter) suggests a divided critical response. Manuel São Bento described the sequel as “a narratively hollow, stagnant entry that prioritizes cheap digital nostalgia over actual suspense.” Though he praised Isabel May, he added that the seventh installment may be “the worst installment so far.”
Griffin Schiller was similarly critical, writing that the film felt like “the worst soap opera of all time” and compared its presentation to a network television production. He further added, “Even the killer and their reveal is an embarrassingly nonsensical afterthought.”
Other reactions were far more positive. Hunter Bolding called the film “BRUTAL,” praising its “jaw dropping kills.” He further noted that Isabel May is “a real highlight alongside Neve Campbell making her return.” Empeds Casul wrote that the movie features “some of the best kills in the franchise” and applauded the decision to bring the story back to Sidney and her family. He added, “I can’t wait to watch it again. I love this franchise so much!”
Alaisdair noted, “#Scream7 is the reset this franchise needed! Bringing our two mains back as the core of the franchise was the right decision, and the original writer (writer/director here) was the right move.”
