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Scream 6: David Arquette Responds to Neve Campbell Not Returning
David Arquette responds to the news that Neve Campbell will not return for Scream 6. Ever since the slasher franchise's first movie, Campbell has played final girl Sidney Prescott. Despite a slew of fresh faces serving as the focus of the recent 2022 reboot Scream, Campbell nonetheless made a triumphant return alongside several others. Those who returned for Scream included Arquette as police officer Dewey Riley, Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers, Marley Shelton as Sheriff Judy Hicks, and Roger L. Jackson as the voice of the infamous Ghostface. The new film was met with critical and box office success, so much so that Scream 6 was announced shortly after its release.
Campbell's involvement with Scream 6 has been up in the air for a while. In February, she admitted that the producers had approached her regarding a possible return. However, Campbell also said she was waiting until she got her hands on a script to make her final decision. While official casting announcements for Scream 6 have been rolling out, confirming returns for those like Cox and Scream 4's Hayden Panettiere, the franchise's longtime leading lady has noticeably been absent from the lineup. Speculation grew over the star's return, and today it was announced that Campbell will not return for Scream 6. She cited her frustration with the pay she was offered, emphasizing how hard she's had to work to earn success and respect as a woman in the film industry.
In an interview with ComicBook, Arquette responds to the news. It's clear Arquette will not be returning to Scream 6, as his character was killed off in the latest film. Although he is not slated to return, Arquette shares his disappointment in Campbell's departure, but says he ultimately respects her decision. Read his response below:
Quote:
"I'd love for her to be a part of it. A Scream movie without Sidney is kind of unfortunate, but I understand her decision. It's all a business in a way, they have to balance all these elements to fit a budget and produce a film. I get it, she's still alive! She [can] absolutely be in future ones, but I think it's up to fans to call for that in the future. [...] That is sudden, it's a business, though. I respect her decision, for sure."
Although much information regarding the plot of Scream 6 has been kept under wraps so far, it's believed to pick up where the last movie left off, following the surviving characters from Scream as they attempt to leave Woodsboro behind and escape the terrors of Ghostface. Franchise newcomers Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, and Jenna Ortega are all slated to return. Radio Silence duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are also returning as directors.
Arquette's comments likely mirror how fans will feel over Campbell's departure from the Scream franchise. Campbell's Sidney is a staple to the series and is only second to Ghostface in being one of the most recognizable characters from the films. However, Arquette is also smart to emphasize the business side to the entertainment industry, and the budget filmmakers have to work with. It's important to note that the budget for Scream was only $24 million, which is small considering the popularity and scope of the franchise. Although Campbell will not be returning, fans can be thankful that 2022's Scream had already set the stage for Barrera's Sam and Ortega's Tara to take over as the series' main protagonists. Perhaps part of the budget was set to retain new talent for the franchise. With veterans Campbell and Arquette being absent from Scream 6, it will certainly fall on Barrera and Ortega to continue the legacy the franchise holds in horror history.
