“Scream 7” posted a franchise-record $7.8 million in preview earnings Friday, according to updated figures released by Deadline, though the film faces a complex opening weekend marked by both fan enthusiasm and organized protest.
The preview total surpasses the previous record of $5.7 million set by “Scream VI” in 2023, ahead of its $44.4 million domestic debut. Paramount did not respond to a request for comment.
The film’s success comes despite a vocal boycott campaign organized by pro-Palestinian activists, protesting the firing of actress Melissa Barrera from the franchise last year. Demonstrators gathered at the film’s premiere, calling for a boycott, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Early social media engagement, measured by RelishMix, is running 11% above the average for horror franchises, reaching 264.5 million across TikTok, Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram. However, it trails the 360.5 million generated by “Scream VI.” The return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott is driving much of the positive conversation, with fans praising her role as central to the franchise’s identity.
“The hype is nostalgia-with-teeth, with people treating Sidney like horror royalty and the trailer like proof the series still knows its own rules,” RelishMix noted in a statement. Fans are expressing appreciation for the film’s adherence to franchise iconography and its connection to the “Halloween” series’ final-girl mythology.
Critics’ reviews have been considerably less enthusiastic than those for the previous two installments. “Scream 7” currently holds a 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to 77% for “Scream VI” and 76% for the 2022 reboot. Audience scores are more favorable, at 79%, but still lower than the 90% audience score for “Scream VI.”
“Scream 7” marks the directorial debut of Kevin Williamson, the original screenwriter of the “Scream” franchise. The film sees Sidney Prescott and her daughter, played by Isabel May, targeted by Ghostface killers. Courteney Cox reprises her role as Gale Weathers, and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who directed “Scream” (2022) and “Scream VI,” are producing.
The seventh installment is the only major studio release this weekend, costing a net $45 million to produce, co-financed equally by Spyglass and Paramount. The six previous “Scream” films have collectively grossed $908.5 million worldwide.
The film is being released in 52 international territories, including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the UK. “Scream 7” will be shown in Imax and ScreenX auditoriums for the first time in the franchise’s history, alongside D-Box and premium large-format screens. It will not be presented in 3D.
Elsewhere at the box office, “GOAT” (Sony) earned $20.66 million in its second week, down 50%, for a total of $62 million. “Wuthering Heights” (WB) grossed $19.5 million, a 57% decline, bringing its total to $65.3 million. “I Can Only Imagine 2” (LG) opened to $10.1 million, while “Crime 101” (AMZ) earned $7.7 million, down 59% for a total of $26.6 million. “Send Help” (20TH) took in $6.1 million, a 49% drop, for a cumulative total of $57.1 million.
