Scream 7 has just announced the return of a surprising actor, hinting that the sequel will undo a fantastic Jenna Ortega story from Scream VI. This forthcoming installment is set to take a new direction for the modern series, shifting back to the story of Sidney Prescott after focusing on Tara and Sam Carpenter in the last two films. With the release of Scream 7 planned for 2026, there is significant excitement surrounding this next chapter of the legendary slasher franchise.
The recent developments surrounding the film have stirred quite a buzz, particularly in light of the departure of Melissa Berrera from Scream 7 after she expressed controversial political views. This fallout led to uncertainty regarding the future of the franchise, primarily with Jenna Ortega and Scream VI directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin also leaving the project. Despite these challenges, Scream 7 is moving forward with a new team, although some familiar faces are returning.
Mason Gooding’s Chad Meeks-Martin, a fan-favorite character introduced in 2022’s Scream and Scream VI, will return in Scream 7. However, the specifics regarding Chad’s role remain unclear. Given that Jenna Ortega’s Tara is not returning, the connection between Chad and Tara seems to have been cut, leaving fans to question how this will impact the narrative. Joel McHale has officially been cast as Sidney’s husband, Mark, which raises further questions about the continuity of character relationships.
Without Tara in the picture, it seems likely that Chad’s potential romance with her will be dismissed in the movie. If Chad were to face demise in Scream 7 without Tara’s presence, it would inevitably sadden fans who deeply care about his character and would wish to see Tara’s reaction. Maintaining a linkage to an absent character feels peculiar, especially if Scream 7 aims to carve its own path in the storyline.
Additonally, Chad’s return necessitates some form of exposition regarding the absence of Sam and Tara. Since none of the characters from Scream VI are making an appearance, the sequel should address their status—especially since Sidney played no role in the previous film. Chad’s inclusion will likely force the narrative to confront the missing characters, creating a complicated dynamic where references to Sam and Tara will be inevitable.
As we anticipate the 2026 release of Scream 7, the recent casting choices raise eyebrows and hint at a potential missed opportunity for fresh narrative directions within the franchise. The intriguing involvement of Chad May force the film to clarify the ghost of his past connections, ultimately reshaping not only his trajectory but also Jenna Ortega’s storyline from Scream 6. The inclusion of these elements could deepen the complexities of character relations and propel the franchise into uncharted territory, ensuring that fans remain captivated as the story unfolds.