'Scream 7' hires Joel McHale to play Sidney Prescott's husband

With filming underway in Atlanta for just over a week, the newest installment in the franchise Screamcurrently titled Scream 7announces the addition of a new member to the cast.

It is about Joel McHalewho according to Deadline, joins to play the husband of final girl Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), Mark Evans.

This confirms a couple of things. First, the production did not reach an agreement with Patrick Dempsey to reprise his role as Detective Mark Kincaid, who had been suggested to have entered into a romantic relationship with Sidney after their meeting in Scream 3. In Scream 5 it is briefly mentioned that Sidney is married to Mark, whose last name is not mentioned.

Dempsey mentioned in recent weeks that he had approached the studios and was waiting for the script, an agreement that everything indicates has not been finalized, which is why the mention of a Mark (without last name) in Scream 5works in favor of the story to now make the signing of McHale as Mark, Sidney's husband.

McHale is known for his roles in the cult sitcom Communitywho is currently developing the film Community: The Movieas well as FX's acclaimed The Bear, and currently stars in the Fox comedy, Animal Controland will have a role as a guest star in the third season of Yellowjackets.

The seventh installment marks the long-awaited return of Campbell as the Scream Queen, Sidney Prescott, after having been absent from the previous installment, Scream VIdue to a salary dispute. Other returns include Courteney Cox reprising his role as Gale Weathers, and Mason Gooding como Chad Meeks-Martin.

New additions to the franchise include Isabel May (1883), Celeste O’Connor (Freaky), Asa Germann (The Boys), Mckenna Grace (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), Sam Calculator (The Fabelmans), y Anna Camp (Pitch Perfect, Unexpected).

Scream 7 marks his directorial debut within the franchise Kevin Williamsonthe creator and producer of the slasher saga. Williamson wrote the script for the original installment, and the sequels Scream 2 y Scream 4, and has been executive producer of Scream 5 y Scream 6.

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

With details of the plot to be known, it is known that the seventh film will return to the roots of Scream and will 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 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. The six installments of the saga Screamhave a combined global box office of more than $908 million.

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