Patrick Dempsey on returning to 'Scream 7': “I'm waiting for the script”

After some ups and downs in the development of Scream 7, the next sequel to the slasher saga Screamcontinues running.

After having been absent from Scream VI (2023) due to a salary dispute, Neve Campbell returns for the seventh installment, reprising his iconic role as Sidney Prescott.

The most recent news confirms what until now had been a rumor: The study has had an approach with Patrick Dempseyto sign his return as Mark Kincaid, a character he played in Scream 3 (2000). Kincaid is a Los Angeles detective in charge of investigating the murders associated with Stab 3the movie within the movie. In Scream (2022) y Scream VI (2023) it was confirmed off-camera that Sidney married Mark and they have two daughters.

Dempsey himself confirmed that he has held talks for a potential return. This is what he said during his appearance on the Today Show:

“I'm waiting for the script. There has been a conversation about it. I haven't seen anything yet, so we'll see what happens. It’s always good to have a job.”

The video interview is available at the end of this note.

Dempsey's next project is the prequel to Dexter, Original Sinwhere he plays Aaron Spencer, the Miami Metro Homicide captain who has a decades-long relationship with Harry Morgan (Christian Slater).

At the moment, the only confirmed member of the Scream 7 cast is Campbell. Recently, Courteney Cox revealed that she was not “officially signed” yet. The actress is in negotiations to reprise her iconic role as Gale Weathers.

The also called Scream VII It will be directed by a veteran connoisseur of the franchise, Kevin Williamsoncreator of the saga and screenwriter of the original installment, and the sequels Scream 2, Scream 4and executive producer of the two most recent, Scream 5 y Scream VI.

Williamson took the reins as director of Scream 7 following the departure of Christopher Landon in December 2023. Scream 7 will mark his debut as director of a film in the franchise Scream.

Plans for the seventh Scream changed dramatically when Spyglass fired star Melissa Barrera over the actress's social media posts about the war between Israel and Hamas, which the company deemed anti-Semitic. A few days later it was announced that Jenna Ortega was also out due to work schedule conflicts. Later, director Christopher Landon announced his departure.

From there, Spyglass redirected plans, brought back Campbell, and ordered a new script.

The script of Scream 7 was written by Guy Busickfrom a story of James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. They both wrote the script for Scream 5 y Scream 6.

With plot details yet to be known, it is known that the seventh film will return to Scream's roots and focus on Sidney Prescott (Campbell). The actress told Entertainment Tonight last July that “Let's follow Sidney. I was introduced to the concept and it’s the reason I joined.”

Vanderbilt produce Scream 7 alongside William Sherak and Paul Neinstein of Project X Entertainment, and executive producers Radio Silence (consisting of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett and Chad Villella).

The most recent sequel, Scream VI o Scream 6was released in theaters in March 2023, grossing more than $168 million worldwide, breaking the record for the best domestic box office (US) for the slasher saga with $108.1 million.

Paramount Pictures will distribute the film produced by Spyglass Media, with a date set in theaters around the world for February 27, 2026.