The mask is back, the knife is raised, and Ghostface is once again ready to terrorise a new generation. This week saw the official launch of the first poster for Scream VII, and it signals a bold new chapter for one of horror cinema’s most influential franchises.
Set to open in US cinemas on 27 February, Scream VII marks a major moment in the series’ long and fascinating history — not just because the body count is about to rise again, but because the creative reins are returning to where it all began.
A Franchise That Changed Horror Forever
When Wes Craven unleashed the original Scream in 1996, the horror genre was in desperate need of reinvention. Craven — already a legend thanks to A Nightmare on Elm Street and The Hills Have Eyes — delivered something entirely new: a slasher movie that knew it was a slasher movie.
Packed with sharp dialogue, genre-savvy characters and genuine suspense, Scream became a cultural phenomenon. Craven went on to direct the first four films in the series, shaping a franchise that balanced brutal kills with biting commentary on horror tropes, sequels, trilogies and remakes.
At the heart of it all was the now-iconic Ghostface mask — instantly recognisable and endlessly merchandisable — which remains one of horror’s most enduring images.
The Modern Revival
Following Craven’s passing in 2015, many assumed Scream was finished. Instead, the franchise was reborn.
The fifth and sixth entries were guided by filmmaking collective Radio Silence, who successfully revived the series for modern audiences. Their approach respected Craven’s legacy while introducing new characters, sharper violence and a more contemporary edge — proving Scream could still thrive in a post-reboot, post-elevated-horror landscape.
Those films reignited fan passion and brought Ghostface roaring back into the mainstream.
Kevin Williamson Returns — And Takes the Director’s Chair
What makes Scream VII especially exciting is the return of the franchise’s original writer, Kevin Williamson.
Williamson wrote the original Scream screenplay and was instrumental in shaping its razor-sharp tone and meta sensibility. For the first time in the series’ history, he isn’t just writing — he’s directing.
It’s a full-circle moment for the franchise. While Williamson’s only previous directing credit, Teaching Mrs Tingle (1999), was widely criticised at the time, his storytelling instincts and deep understanding of Scream’s DNA make this one of the most intriguing creative shifts the series has ever seen.
Familiar Faces Return
Longtime fans will also be pleased to see original cast members Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox returning to the franchise. Their presence reinforces the film’s connection to the original era while bridging the gap between classic Scream and its modern revival.
The Poster: Fire, Fear, and a Warning
The newly revealed poster sets the tone perfectly. Featuring Ghostface looming from the darkness, knife gleaming and fire blazing behind him, the tagline “Burn It All Down” suggests that this sequel may be ready to tear apart not just its victims — but the franchise itself.
It’s sleek, menacing, and unmistakably Scream.
Celebrate Scream with Official Merch
As Ghostface prepares to stalk cinemas once again, there’s never been a better time to explore the world of Scream collectibles. At TheMovieMerch.com, we stock a huge range of Scream and Ghostface merchandise, including masks, figures, props, replicas and display-worthy collectibles for horror fans and collectors alike.
Browse the full collection here.
Whether you’re revisiting Woodsboro or gearing up for the next chapter, Scream VII is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about horror releases in years — and Ghostface, as ever, is ready for his close-up.
