Summary
BothScreamandHalloweenhavelarge fanbases, perfectly crafted final girls,and a balance of campy moments and creepy villains. Now thatScream 7is filming, I think it’s the perfect time to reflect on what the twohorrorfranchises have in common and if the upcoming sequel could learn anything from Laurie Strode’s (Jamie Lee Curtis) battle against Michael Myers. I can’t wait to seeif any side characters come back toScream 7and what Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) is like as a parent. I’m sure she will be as courageous and smart as ever, and she has a lot of wisdom and life experience to give to her kids.
Like every fan of the goofy, smart, and creative franchise, I’m curious about whetherScream 7will break free of the six previous installments and stand on its own two feet. I was also just as eager to check out every entry in theHalloweenfranchise. While everyone waits forthe movie’s February 2026 release date, I’m wonderingifScream 7could follow in the footsteps of aHalloweensequel.
I Think Scream 7 Could Be Inspired By Halloween H20: 20 Years Later’s Setting
Kevin Williamson wroteHalloween H20: 20 Years Later, but he wasn’t given a writing credit. I think thatScream 7could be inspired by the setting ofHalloween H20: 20 Years Later. This time around, Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) is hiding from Michael Myers and working as headmistress at Hillcrest Academy, the high school that her son John (Josh Hartnett) goes to.What if most ofScream 7took place at the school thatSidney Prescott’s daughter, played by Isabel May, attends?
I think this would accomplish a few things. First of all, it wouldput the action and tension front and center. One of my favorite scenes from the firstScreammovie is whenSidney goes into the washroom and Ghostface is hiding in a stall. I wouldrarely call aScreamscene terrifying, but that one comes close. Sidney thought she was safe at her high school, and it turned out that she could be targeted anywhere and everywhere. It would be great to see that same level of tension inScream 7.
Secondly, ifScream 7took place at Sidney’s daughter’s high school,then perhaps Ghostface could be a teacheror someone in her daughter’s life. This would help move the franchise forward instead of keeping it only all about Sidney. I like thinking abouthow Ghostface could be different from previous killersbecause I want to be shocked and impressed by the killer reveal inScream 7. It would be interesting if the killer was connected to Sidney’s daughter and not just Sidney.
Finally,a school setting would also be fun consideringdirector Kevin Williamson’s history of making teen TV shows and movies. He has written several horror movies that are about teenagers, fromI Know What You Did Last Summerto, of course, Scream, and he also createdThe Vampire DiariesandDawson’s Creek.
Scream 7 Could Also Feature Characters From Sidney Prescott’s Past
I thinkScream 7could also be inspired byHalloween H20: 20 Years Laterandinclude some characters from Sidney Prescott’s past.One of the themes ofHalloween H20: 20 Years LaterisLaurie Strode’s past coming back to haunt her. The fun, fast-paced movie delves into the trauma that Laurie is experiencing now that the villain she thought was gone is back in her life. Unlikestrange horror sequels likeHalloween III: Season of the Witch,Halloween H20explores compelling ideas like how someone can move on from a tragedy when they never know if the danger is fully over.
Kirby Reed (Hayden Panettiere) could appear inScream 7. She’s one of the most popular legacy characters, and sinceshe’s an FBI agent now, I think there will always be a place for her in the slasher franchise. Sidney and Kirby could have one brief scene where they compare notes and talk about their various experiences being targeted by Ghostface. They’re both tough, clever, and don’t take nonsense from anyone. I’d love to see their dynamic explored more.
SinceScream 7has a fairly large cast, it would also make sense forone or two new cast members to play someone from Sidney’s past who fans haven’t met yet. This would help bridgethe gap between new and older characters, which is also something thatHalloween H20: 20 Years Laterexcelled at. I loved catching up with Laurie, but it was also fun to get to know her son John. I definitely thinkScream 7could learn a lot from thisHalloweensequel, which deserves more love.
