Talk about a full-circle moment! Ethan Embry, the beloved actor known for roles in films like Can't Hardly Wait and Sweet Home Alabama, is finally getting his scream queen moment—except in his case, it’s more of a scream king. Embry has officially joined the cast of Scream 7, nearly 30 years after he first tried (and failed) to be part of the slasher legacy. And for fans of the genre, this feels like horror history in the making.
✔️ From Near Miss to Full-On Scream Legacy
In a recent sit-down with Bloody Disgusting, Embry got candid about his long-awaited entry into the Scream universe. He recalled how he initially auditioned for the original Scream back in 1996. Yep, the one that kicked off the iconic franchise with Wes Craven behind the camera and Kevin Williamson penning that now-legendary script.
"I remember auditioning for Scream 1. I can’t remember if it was for Jamie Kennedy’s Randy or Matthew Lillard’s Stu," Embry shared. "But I remember not getting good feedback from Mr. Craven." That sting, it seems, didn’t last forever. Because here we are, in 2025, and Embry is finally stepping into the blood-soaked shoes of a Scream cast member.
🎬 A Franchise That Just Won’t Die
For anyone who's been living under a rock (or just refuses to watch anything with masked killers), Scream first hit theaters in 1996. It revitalized the horror genre with a mix of satire, teen angst, and jaw-dropping kills, thanks to the Ghostface killer and an ensemble of unforgettable characters. Now, with Scream 7 on the horizon, it’s clear the franchise still has plenty of lives left—more than your average black cat.
And Embry couldn’t be more thrilled to finally be part of it.
“The one thing that I can tell about Scream 7 was that it was absolutely incredible to be invited,” he told Bloody Disgusting. “That is a lovely community of people, from the very beginning to what it is now. And I’ve been wanting to be a part of that franchise since the very beginning.”
🌟 The Star-Studded Cast Just Keeps Growing
Let’s talk cast—because Scream 7 is stacking names like it’s an all-star horror reunion. Embry joins a loaded list of both franchise veterans and fresh blood. Returning legends include Neve Campbell (finally back again as Sydney Prescott), Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Scott Foley, Matthew Lillard (yes, he’s back?!), Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown.
But that’s not all. The newcomers are equally buzzworthy. We're talking Isabel May, Celeste O'Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, Sam Rechner, Michelle Randolph, Jimmy Tatro, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, and even Mark Consuelos. Honestly, it’s a who's-who of talent, and the mix of classic and current stars promises one wild ride.
😲 Major Shakeups: Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega Exit
The lead-up to Scream 7 hasn’t been all roses and fanfare, though. Big changes have rocked the franchise in the past year. Melissa Barrera, who carried the mantle in the last two installments, was controversially dropped from the film following public comments about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The news sent shockwaves through horror circles and Hollywood alike.
Shortly after, Jenna Ortega—riding high on her Wednesday fame—also stepped away from the project, citing scheduling conflicts, though many speculated deeper reasons. With these exits, fans were left wondering who would carry the franchise forward.
👑 The Return of the OG Final Girl
The answer came swiftly: Neve Campbell is back. After skipping Scream 6 reportedly due to contract disputes, the original final girl is returning to center stage. “The next movie will once again follow Sidney,” Campbell confirmed, giving longtime fans a reason to cheer. This marks her reclaiming her throne as horror royalty, and honestly, it feels like the right move.
Let’s not forget—Campbell's Sidney Prescott isn’t just any horror protagonist. She’s survived countless Ghostface killers, emotional trauma, and even franchise reboots. To see her come back for what might be the final (?) chapter? That’s headline stuff.
🔥 Why This Chapter Might Be the Most Explosive Yet
There's something electric in the air about Scream 7. It’s got all the pieces of a perfect horror storm:
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A nostalgic return to roots with Campbell, Cox, and Lillard back on board
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New blood that appeals to younger audiences
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A redemption arc for Embry, nearly three decades in the making
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Real-life drama that has heightened the stakes
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A mystery-heavy plot still tightly under wraps
And let’s be real—Scream fans live for that sense of not knowing who to trust. Every new cast member could be a killer… or a victim. Or both.
👀 What’s Next for the Franchise?
With production still underway and plot details being kept under serious lock and key, speculation is at an all-time high. Will Ghostface return with a vengeance more brutal than ever? Could we see multiple killers again? Will Matthew Lillard’s Stu be revealed to have survived after all these years?
Here’s a fun fact: there’s been a long-running fan theory that Stu never actually died in the first film and has been pulling strings from the shadows. With Lillard back on the cast list, could Scream 7 finally give fans that mind-blowing twist?
📽️ A Love Letter to Fans (and Fear Itself)
One thing's clear—Scream 7 isn't just another horror flick. It's a love letter to the genre, the fans who’ve kept it alive, and the actors who’ve made their way back home. Whether you're an OG fan who watched Scream in theaters in the '90s or a Gen Z horror junkie who discovered it on streaming, this chapter promises to unite generations of screamers.
And for Ethan Embry? It's a full-circle moment that's been nearly 30 years in the making. “Being invited into the Scream family now feels like something I’ve been waiting on forever,” he said. Well, Mr. Embry—welcome to the party. Just don’t answer the phone alone.
Final Thoughts:
Scream 7 is shaping up to be a bloody good time with more twists, surprises, and familiar faces than ever before. With Ethan Embry’s long-awaited addition and Neve Campbell’s return, this could be the most satisfying and explosive chapter yet in a franchise that refuses to die. Get your popcorn—and your alibi—ready.
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