Should Scream 7 Bring Back Jack Quaid's Richie Kirsch?

Summary

Scream 7 brings back legacy characters Dewey, Roman, and Stu, leaving fans eager for more.
Jack Quaid remains unsure about Richie Kirsh's return, adding to the suspense and speculation.
The potential return of Richie in Scream 7 could involve flashback scenes or a digital presence tied to his motive for fame.

Horror audiences can never say no to another movie about Ghostface, but Scream 7's steady casting announcements have made being a fan of this slasher franchise even more exciting. Dewey Riley (David Arquette), Roman Bridger (Scott Foley), and Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard) are returning for Scream 7, and it's hard to wait to find out more. However, since these characters died in their respective movies, it's tough to know whether they're going to be dead or alive in the upcoming sequel. Until the movie is released in February 2026, fans are going to keep coming up with theories and trying to work it out in their minds.

Being a former Ghostface or victim of the iconic villain means answering questions about it from time to time. When Jack Quaid gave a recent interview, he was asked if Richie Kirsh is coming back for Scream 7. Given the number of legacy characters who will be back, it's a fair question. But would it work?

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By Aya Tsintziras

Should Jack Quaid's Richie Kirsch Character Appear In Scream 7?

In a recent interview for Entertainment Tonight, Jack Quaid answered a question about whether he is in Scream 7 and said:

"I don't know for sure yet. I don't know. I will keep my mouth closed on that one."

Based on Quaid's comments, it's impossible to know if he will make a surprise appearance in Scream 7 or if he isn't attached to the project at all. Although it would be easier to bring back Patrick Dempsey's character Mark Kincaid since he didn't die, it could still be possible to include Richie in Scream 7 or a future film. Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) could see every past Ghostface in a long flashback scene, which could lead to the big reveal of the new Ghostface. She could remember something that becomes a clue, and it would be fun to see her solve the mystery.

While of course, every Scream killer hides in plain sight, there is something particularly memorable about Richie Kirsch's Ghostface reveal. Like Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) in the original 1996 movie, Richie is dating one of the main characters. But, unlike Billy, Richie is kind and doesn't seem like a potential villain. That makes his reveal even more shocking. Perhaps, in Scream 7, Sidney could reflect on the similarities between Billy and Richie, who is in a relationship with Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera), who doesn't know the dark truth about him until it's almost too late. After thinking that Richie is just a regular person, it's definitely unexpected to learn he killed so many people.

Since Richie was motivated by fame, it would be interesting if perhaps he left behind a website or social media channel that Sidney or another character could visit. This would be an easy way to incorporate him into Scream 7 and would allow Quaid to make a brief cameo. It would also be a good way to work technology into the story. Even though not every part of Scream (2022) feels practical, it seems realistic that Richie would want to follow in other Ghostface's footsteps.

What Happened To Jack Quaid's Scream Character?

Richie Kirsch (Jack Quaid) in Scream (2022)

Richie Kirsch is Sam Carpenter's boyfriend who, along with his partner Amber Freeman (Mikey Madison), Richie is motivated by a desire for fame and hopes that if he is Ghostface, people will pay attention to him. As soon as audiences learn the truth about Richie, his dark nature comes into play, and he shifts from innocent to terrifying. Then, after a terrifying confrontation, Sam kills Richie in self-defense.

Jack Quaid recently starred in the 2025 horror movie Companion and has proven that he does an excellent job with villains. However, he shared in a 2022 interview with Men's Health that he was afraid of horror films for a while. He also talked about how the fifth movie in the slasher franchise honored legendary director Wes Craven's legacy. Quaid said:

“It's very evident how much they're trying to honor Wes in this movie. They're trying to make a movie he would be proud of. And there was a lot of reverence towards him on that set. We weren't just making a movie to cash in on a franchise; we wanted to make sure this is a movie that he would enjoy, and that he would be proud of.”

Whether fans see Richie Kirsch in Scream 7 or not, the movie's exciting new location and all the returning legacy cast members will likely add up to an entertaining and impressive story.