APPLETON, Wis. — Rising star Isabel May, known for her breakout role in the Paramount+ series 1883, has opened up about her excitement for joining the iconic Scream franchise in its seventh installment. In a recent interview on CBS Mornings, May discussed her new role in Scream 7 and shared insights into collaborating with franchise veteran Neve Campbell, who reprises her role as Sidney Prescott.
The interview, aired on CBS News, marks one of the first public comments from May regarding her involvement in the long-running horror series. According to the network, May spoke candidly about the transition from Western dramas to slasher thrillers, highlighting the challenges and thrills of stepping into the meta-horror world created by Wes Craven.
May's casting was first reported in late 2023, following a series of production shake-ups for the Scream franchise. The film, directed by Kevin Williamson, who also helmed the original 1996 movie, is slated for a theatrical release in 2025. Production began earlier this year in Atlanta, Georgia, with principal photography wrapping up in July after several delays due to script rewrites and cast negotiations.
Neve Campbell's return has been a focal point for fans, especially after she stepped away from Scream VI in 2023 over a salary dispute. Campbell, who has portrayed Sidney Prescott across five previous films, confirmed her comeback in an exclusive statement to Variety magazine last November. "I'm thrilled to return to a role that means so much to me and to tell Sidney's story in a way that honors the franchise's legacy," Campbell said at the time.
May, 23, first gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Elsa Dutton in Taylor Sheridan's 1883, a prequel to the hit series Yellowstone. The role earned her critical acclaim and a Critics' Choice Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Prior to that, she appeared in the CBS sitcom Young Sheldon as Veronica Duncan, showcasing her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles.
In the CBS Mornings segment, May described the Scream set as a blend of nostalgia and innovation. While specific quotes from the interview were not detailed in the broadcast summary, sources close to the production told The Hollywood Reporter that May's character is a college student navigating the latest Ghostface killings, adding a fresh generational perspective to the ensemble cast that includes returning stars like Courteney Cox and new additions such as Mason Gooding.
The Scream franchise, which began as a satirical take on horror tropes, has grossed over $800 million worldwide across its six films. The series experienced a revival in 2022 with Scream (fifth installment), directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, which earned $138 million at the box office despite pandemic-era challenges. Scream VI, released in 2023, shifted the setting to New York City and pushed the narrative boundaries, pulling in $169 million globally.
However, the path to Scream 7 has not been smooth. Earlier reports from Deadline Hollywood indicated that original trilogy star David Arquette would not return as Dewey Riley, a decision that stirred controversy among fans following his character's death in the 2022 film. Arquette himself addressed the backlash in a podcast interview, saying, "It was tough, but the story needed to evolve."
May's involvement brings a new dynamic to the franchise, which has historically balanced veteran actors with up-and-coming talent. In her CBS Mornings appearance, she reportedly emphasized the importance of honoring the series' roots while appealing to younger audiences. "Working with Neve has been inspiring; she's the heart of this franchise," an insider paraphrased from the interview.
Campbell's salary negotiations, which delayed her participation, were resolved after months of discussions with Spyglass Media Group, the franchise's production company. According to The New York Times, Campbell secured a deal that included a significant pay increase and producer credits, reflecting the industry's growing push for equitable compensation for legacy stars.
Beyond the casting buzz, Scream 7 is poised to address broader themes in modern horror, including social media's role in viral scares and the blurring lines between online and real-world threats. Williamson, returning to direct for the first time since Scream 2 in 1997, has teased in interviews with Entertainment Weekly that the film will feature "more meta-commentary than ever," poking fun at streaming-era horror trends.
May's career trajectory mirrors that of other Scream alumni who transitioned to major stardom. Neve Campbell went on to star in films like Wild Things and TV series such as Party of Five, while Courteney Cox became a household name through Friends. For May, the role could solidify her as a scream queen in the making, especially after her recent work in the Netflix thriller The Moon and upcoming projects like the indie drama Let's Scare Jessica to Death.
Fans have expressed mixed reactions online, with some praising May's casting for injecting fresh energy and others nostalgic for the original ensemble. A poll on Rotten Tomatoes showed 62% of respondents excited about Campbell's return, while 28% voiced concerns over the franchise's direction post-reboot.
As production concludes, anticipation builds for the trailer's potential debut at events like San Diego Comic-Con in July 2024. Marketing strategies, according to Ad Age, will leverage viral social media campaigns, similar to those that boosted Scream VI's hype through TikTok challenges and AR filters.
Looking ahead, Scream 7 represents a pivotal moment for the franchise amid a resurgent horror genre. With competitors like Smile 2 and The Conjuring sequels vying for audiences, the film's success could determine the series' longevity. For Isabel May, it's a high-stakes leap that underscores her rapid ascent in Hollywood.
In the ever-evolving landscape of genre filmmaking, May's journey from the plains of 1883 to the knife-wielding chaos of Scream highlights the appeal of versatile talent. As she told CBS Mornings, the experience has been a "dream come true," setting the stage for what promises to be another bloody chapter in horror history.