Scream 6 will be the first instalment of the iconic horror franchise not to feature lead character Sidney Prescott. Actress Neve Campbell told those in attendance at Monsterpalooza that she won't be reprising the role for the currently-shooting sequel, much to the dismay of the final girl's fans.
The actress would later release a statement clarifying her position, and it sounded like her departure may not have been a particularly amicable one. This led to speculation that the movie may avoid referencing Sidney altogether, but thankfully, that won't be the case.
While speaking to ET (via FearHQ) about her upcoming Netflix series, Wednesday, Jenna Ortega, who headlined 2022’s Scream as Tara Carpenter and is returning for the next movie, confirmed that Sid will indeed get a mention or two.
“I feel like I can’t really speak too much on that just because it’s not necessarily my character. But I will say there’s so much going on in this next one, that it’s so action-heavy and so gore-heavy that I think you’re gonna be distracted almost.”
“But it’s very clear, like, there are references to Sidney, of course," Ortega continued. "You know, it’s nice because there’s still a protectiveness in the script and that’s something that the actors had naturally over her because obviously we respect her and we want the best for her. She’s missed and thought of.”
Sidney had a small, but still important part to play in Scream (2022), returning to her cursed hometown after Dewey's (David Arquette) death in order to help a new group of survivors defeat the latest incarnation(s) of the masked serial killer known as Ghostface.
Scream 6's official synopsis reads: “The Scream saga continues with the four survivors of the Ghostface killings as they leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter,” so it probably wouldn't make much sense for Sidney or Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) to be involved, anyway.
Set photos have confirmed that the slasher sequel will leave Woodsboro behind, with this latest incarnation of Ghostface taking his reign of terror to the Big Apple. A logo leak also appeared to reveal the official title: Scream !!.
Melissa Barrera (Sam), Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy), and Mason Gooding (Chad) will also return, with Scream 4's Hayden Panettiere set to reprise the role of Kirby. Dermot Mulroney, Jack Champion, Liana Liberato, Devyn Nekoda, and Josh Segarra recently became the latest cast members to sign on. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett will also be back behind the camera.
Scream 6 is set to slice its way into theaters on March 31, 2023.