Summary

  • Scream 7 should reveal Ghostface's identity in the opening scene for new and exciting terror.
  • Audience fatigue with repetitive Ghostface reveals makes an immediate identity reveal overdue.
  • Presence of past characters and a fresh setting add intrigue to Scream 7, despite concerns of a large and mysterious cast.

The horror genre has had countless iconic villains, from the brutally violent Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) in the Saw franchise to the completely evil Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I appreciate the legacy of the unnerving Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins) in Psycho, Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) in the twisty thriller The Silence of the Lambs, and the silent killer Michael Myers in Halloween. But in my mind, no one compares to Ghostface in Scream.

Whether motivated by getting even with final girl Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) for perceived slights or looking for celebrity, Ghostface is always a highlight of every Scream movie. Now that Scream 7 will be in theaters in less than one year, I would be happy if the movie did something completely different with Ghostface.

David Arquette as Dewey Riley in the hospital in Scream (2022)
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David Arquette is reprising his beloved role of Dewey Riley in Scream 7, and these fan theories suggest how he could face Ghostface once again.

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What If Scream 7 Revealed Ghostface In The Opening Scene?

Ghostface slashing at an enemy
Ghostface slashing at an enemy 

I think it would be cool if Scream 7 showed audiences Ghostface's identity in the opening sequence. At first, it seemed like this is what Scream 6 did. However, the upcoming sequel needs an even more exciting opening scene than Scream 6, which features a Ghostface fake-out. Audiences think Jason Carvey (Tony Revolori) is the killer since he murders Laura (Samara Weaving) when they go on a date. When Ghostface murders Jason, audiences realize the truth: there is another Ghostface out there, or possibly a few Ghostfaces.

I would love to see Sidney Prescott remove Ghostface's mask and gasp in shock at who it is. Then, the rest of Scream 7 could be about the events leading up to that big moment. After being hunted by killers for so many years, it's time for Sidney to fully step into her power. I look forward to seeing Scream 7's new setting of Pine Grove, Indiana and I also can't wait to be reunited with past characters like Mindy Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown). However, I don't want to see another Scream movie where Sidney is in the dark about Ghostface's identity. I think by now, she has enough experience and knowledge to be able to crack this case.

On the one hand, I know that the Ghostface reveal is a significant part of each Scream movie and that the films follow a certain pattern. This is why so many modern slasher movies are entertaining. Audiences like knowing what's coming next since it feels familiar. But on the other hand, I think most fans would be happy to see something unique this time. One of the biggest criticisms is that several Ghostface reveals feel like the same thing over and over again. After all, how many times can a killer say they want to go viral or get revenge? If Ghostface were revealed right away, I would think that was a new, creative idea, and I wouldn't be upset if their motive wasn't particularly unique.

Although fans are concerned about Scream 7's huge cast, I think it's exciting that it's not clear who the new Ghostface is. I'm not sure if Ghostface is part of Sidney's life or if she has never seen them before. But either way, I think this twist could work well and surprise audiences, especially eagle-eyed slasher fans who have seen it all.

What Have The Scream Filmmakers Said About Ghostface?

Ghostface on the New York City subway in Scream 6

The Scream filmmakers have shared their thoughts on the iconic horror villain over the years, and it's particularly interesting to hear Kevin Williamson's take since he wrote the first Scream movie. In 2022, Williamson gave an interview to Dread Central and talked about the motives of the first two Ghostfaces, Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) and Stu Macher's (Matthew Lillard). He said:

"It’s the motive, the 'why' of it all, which is what is so terrifying about this stuff. The original motive behind Scream was that it was fun. And then the studio felt like they really needed a motive. So we went back and added the motive."

Horror fans were interested to see the direction Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett would take Scream (2022) and Scream 6. The directors gave an interview to Variety in 2023 and Gillett talked about the plan for Ghostface in Scream 6. He said:

"The reveal was always three. Then the debate is always, what is the criteria for being a Ghostface? You have to wear the mask, make a phone call, kill somebody in the costume. But then does that make Sidney a Ghostface in the first movie? It’s a fun debate to have."

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Scream 7
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Horror
Mystery
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Release Date
February 27, 2026
Director
Kevin Williamson
Writers
Guy Busick
Producers
William Sherak, Paul Neinstein
Prequel(s)
Scream, Scream 2, Scream 3, Scream 4, Scream, Scream VI
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Cast

See All
  • instar53807014.jpg
    Neve Campbell
    Sidney Prescott
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    Courteney Cox
    Gale Weathers
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    Isabel May
    Sidney's Daughter
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    Jasmin Savoy Brown
    Mindy Meeks-Martin
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Scream 5 Richie Kirsch
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