Courteney Cox is back in her signature role as the sharp-tongued reporter Gale Weathers in *Scream 7*, the latest installment of the long-running horror franchise that hit theaters nationwide on February 27, 2026. Directed by Kevin Williamson — the writer of the original 1996 film and several sequels — the movie reunites legacy stars including Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, marking a return to the series' roots amid mixed early reviews.

Actress Courteney Cox attends the inaugural Critics' Choice Television Awards in Beverly Hills, California June 20, 2011.
Actress Courteney Cox

The film, distributed by Paramount Pictures, opened in IMAX and standard formats following a star-studded premiere at the Paramount lot on February 25. Cox, who has appeared in every *Scream* entry since the beginning, reprises Gale as a resilient survivor now mentoring younger characters and covering yet another Ghostface killing spree. In promotional interviews, Cox channeled her character's bold personality, famously stealing an Entertainment Tonight microphone during a red carpet chat while staying in character.

The plot centers on Sidney Prescott (Campbell), who has built a quiet new life only to face renewed terror when a new Ghostface targets her daughter (played by Isabel May). Gale arrives to report on the murders, teaming up with familiar faces including Chad and Mindy Meeks-Martin (Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown), now positioned as her "hot interns." The story incorporates meta elements, nods to past films, and a mother-daughter dynamic that reviewers have called a tearjerker.

Williamson, making his directorial return to the franchise after decades, helmed the project following a turbulent development period. Filming took place from January to March 2025 after Neve Campbell resolved a pay dispute that kept her out of *Scream VI*. Campbell reportedly secured a significant salary increase — said to be $5 million more than Cox's — and the script underwent a $500,000 rewrite to accommodate the changes. Cox confirmed her involvement in late 2024, expressing excitement about Williamson's direction and the emotional core of the story.

The cast expands with newcomers and returning surprises: Matthew Lillard reprises Stu Macher in a surreal cameo, while additions include Anna Camp, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O'Connor, Asa Germann, Sam Rechner, Mark Consuelos, Tim Simons, Joel McHale, and others. Roger L. Jackson returns as the voice of Ghostface.

Early reviews are polarized. Some praise the nostalgic reunion and bloody set pieces, with one calling it a "bloody good throwback" and highlighting Cox's "ferocious" performance as Gale. Others criticize it as uninspired or the franchise's "worst in 30 years," citing a lack of fresh ideas despite the star power. The Hollywood Reporter described it as "dead creatively," while Deadline noted strong elements in the mother-daughter focus. Social media buzzed with fan excitement over the legacy cast, with many calling Gale the "glue" of the series.

At the premiere, Cox reflected on her longevity, noting she's the only actor (besides the voice of Ghostface) to appear in all seven films. She joked about past wardrobe choices like the infamous *Scream 3* bangs, calling them a "big mistake" but one that endures in fan memory. Campbell and Cox emphasized their long friendship, with Cox saying it felt natural slipping back into Gale opposite Sidney.

The release comes as the *Scream* franchise approaches its 30th anniversary, having grossed hundreds of millions worldwide since Wes Craven's original meta-slasher redefined horror in 1996. After Craven's death in 2015, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett rebooted the series with *Scream* (2022) and *Scream VI* (2023), introducing new leads like Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera. Those films succeeded commercially but faced controversy, including Barrera's firing over social media comments.

*Scream 7* shifts focus back to originals, with Williamson reclaiming creative control. It avoids some prior pitfalls by emphasizing character returns and familiar dynamics, though some critics argue it borrows too heavily from past entries without innovation. Box office projections remain strong given the built-in fanbase and holiday-adjacent timing.

Fans have flocked to theaters, with tickets available via Fandango, AMC, Cinemark, and others. The official site and trailers highlight the terror in Sidney's new town, complete with dramatic lines like "I'm gonna burn it all down."

As audiences dissect the killers' identity and Easter eggs, *Scream 7* delivers the expected thrills — stabbings, chases, and witty banter — while testing whether the franchise can sustain itself without constant reinvention. Cox's Gale remains a highlight, fierce and unapologetic, proving why she's endured through every Ghostface rampage.

For showtimes and more, visit screammovie.com or local listings. The film is rated R for strong bloody violence, language, and some gore.