The seventh Scream film is due to be released on February 27 (Image: Getty)
Horror fans have discussed which actor they’d most like to see appear in the Scream franchise, as anticipation builds for the seventh instalment of the beloved slasher series. Set for release on February 27, the latest film shifts attention back to Sidney Prescott, the original “final girl” portrayed by Neve Campbell since the franchise’s 1996 debut.
The first film, directed by the legendary Wes Craven, saw Sidney in the crosshairs of the now notorious Ghostface killer, utilising a satirical murder-mystery format that set it apart from similar films of the time.
Subsequent instalments and recent reboots have adhered to the same blueprint – a new Ghostface surfaces to target people linked to Sidney or the original killing spree perpetrated by murderers, Billy Loomis and Stu Macher. The franchise is known for its self-aware characters who frequently acknowledge and discuss horror movie tropes and common pitfalls seen in comparable slasher films.
Kevin Williamson created the series, crafting the screenplay for the inaugural film and its 1997 hit follow-up, Scream 2. Though he stepped away from writing duties afterwards, he’s now returned to both pen and helm the seventh chapter.
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The franchise has become renowned for its opening murder sequences, with Drew Barrymore’s iconic scene in the original Scream establishing a formidable standard.
Marketing material at the time initially suggested Barrymore would feature prominently in Scream, only to deliver a Hitchcockian twist by killing off her character before the title card is even displayed. The opening kill sequence has become a highly anticipated and crucial component of any Scream film – and some enthusiasts believe Jennifer Coolidge would be a “perfect” choice.
The 64-year-old actor rose to prominence through comedy parts and gained widespread recognition as “Stifler’s mom”, Jeanine, in the American Pie franchise, while recently earning plaudits for her performance in The White Lotus.
On Reddit, one Scream fan wrote: “Jennifer Coolidge needs to be in a Scream movie”.
They continued: “Seriously, why hasn’t this happened yet? She’d be perfect, even just for an opening kill, it’d be super memorable.
“I know some wouldn’t like it because her style is generally more comedic, but it would add some nice dark comedy elements that’d feel more like the first three.”
In the comments section, fellow Scream fans weighed in. One said: “Her humour can be incredibly dark so I’d love to see her being chased in her distinct way”.
Another said: “Wouldn’t mind this… although if they kept her alive in a supporting role it would give Scream 3 vibes”.
A third shared: “She needs to be in every movie. Jennifer Coolidge elevates anything she’s involved in”.
However, one supporter disagreed and added: “I feel like she could be a bit of a distraction and it would seem off seeing her on a Scream screen, but I am a fan. I just don’t know if this franchise is the right fit for her.”
