The latest installment in the long-running horror franchise, “Scream 7,” defied expectations and critical reception this weekend, debuting to a global box office haul of $97.2 million. The film, starring Neve Campbell reprising her role as Sidney Prescott, opened to $64.1 million domestically and $33.1 million internationally, exceeding pre-release projections of $44 million and $60 million, respectively. This strong opening for “Scream 7” marks the best horror opening ever for Paramount Pictures and the highest-grossing February debut for a horror film, signaling continued audience appetite for the slasher subgenre.
Despite receiving what’s been described as the worst reviews in the series’ history and a B- CinemaScore from audiences, the film’s performance demonstrates the enduring appeal of the “Scream” brand and the draw of Campbell’s return. Approximately $7.1 million of the global total came from IMAX screenings alone, highlighting the demand for a more immersive cinematic experience. The film’s success is particularly notable given its $45 million production budget, meaning it has already more than doubled its investment and is poised for significant profitability.
A New Generation Faces Ghostface
“Scream 7” centers on Sidney Prescott, who has attempted to build a new life, only to find herself and her family – particularly her daughter, played by Isabel May – targeted by a new Ghostface killer. The official synopsis, as detailed by Paramount Pictures, promises a confrontation with the horrors of the past as Sidney fights to protect her loved ones. The cast too includes Courteney Cox, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mckenna Grace, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, and Asa Germann, among others. The film is directed by Kevin Williamson, who also co-wrote the screenplay with James Vanderbilt.
Box Office Landscape: A Competitive Weekend
While “Scream 7” topped the domestic charts, other films also saw varying degrees of success. “Goat” secured the second position with $12 million in domestic earnings, a 29% decrease from its previous weekend. “Wuthering Heights” followed in third place, earning $7 million, representing a 53% drop. The concert films “Twenty One Pilots: More Than We Ever Imagined – Live in Mexico City” ($3.7 million) and “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert” ($3.5 million) rounded out the top five, with the Elvis film experiencing a 9% increase in its second week of release.
Internationally, the Chinese racing film “Pegasus 3” had a strong showing, bringing in $50.3 million worldwide and pushing its global total to $554.2 million. “Wuthering Heights” has now accumulated $192 million globally, while “Goat” has reached $130.5 million worldwide. These figures, reported by Deadline, paint a picture of a diverse and competitive box office landscape.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
Despite the financial success, “Scream 7” has faced criticism for its convoluted plot. A recent review in the Los Angeles Times noted the film’s narrative complexities, even while acknowledging Neve Campbell’s return to the franchise. The B- CinemaScore, indicating average audience satisfaction, further suggests a divide in reception. Still, the film’s ability to draw audiences despite negative reviews speaks to the established fanbase and the enduring appeal of the “Scream” formula.
The official trailer for “Scream 7,” released on October 30, 2025, garnered 14 million views in four months, as reported by YouTube. The trailer offered a glimpse of the new Ghostface and hinted at the high stakes facing Sidney Prescott and her daughter.
The film’s production involved William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein as producers, building upon the characters created by Kevin Williamson. The story and screenplay were co-written by Vanderbilt and Guy Busick.
Looking ahead, Paramount Pictures will be closely monitoring “Scream 7’s” continued performance in theaters. The film’s success could pave the way for further installments in the franchise, potentially exploring new storylines and characters while continuing to capitalize on the enduring appeal of the slasher genre.
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