Scream VIIhas had a troubled development cycle so far, and while it still could be good, this exciting upcoming sequel to a horror movie with 89% onRotten Tomatoesis the perfect replacement for it. All kinds of modern horror comedies have been released over the past few years, and while many of them are inspired byScream,Scream VIImay be usurped by this sequel.
The release of 2022’sScreamreignited interest in the franchise, with many considering it the best film in the series outside of the original. This led to the release ofScream VIin 2023 and theannouncement ofScream VII. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who directed the previous two films, dropped out ofScream VIIin August 2023 due to conflicts with their filmAbigail.
This was the first of many development issues onScream VII. The film was first delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. In November 2023,Sam Carpenter actress Melissa Barrera was fired fromScream VIIdue to her social media statements of support for the Palestinians in the Gaza war. The very next day, Tara Carpenter actress Jenna Ortega exited the project, stating that this was due to scheduling conflicts.
Rather than working onScream VII, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are nowworking onReady or Not 2: Here I Come. 2019’sReady or Notwas a surprise hit in the horror comedy genre, with the film following a bride who must survive the night while hiding from the armed and wealthy family of her husband-to-be.
Ready or Not 2was announced in October 2024, and it is even more exciting thanScream VII. Allowing Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett to return to the franchise that they started is inherently more exciting than them doing just anotherScreammovie. There is a lot more potential for something new, as theScreamstory has already been told six different times.
On top of that,Scream VII’s story is far less exciting thanks to Barrera and Ortega’s exits. The film cannot continue the story thatScreamandScream VIbuilt up, with it instead switching focus back to Sidney Prescott. This is clearly not the story thatScream VIIwas meant to be, and it is far less interesting than continuing the story ofScream VI.
Could Ready Or Not Become A Scream-Sized Horror Franchise?
It Depends On How The Sequel Does
AlthoughReady or Nothas only one movie so far, it is possible that it could become aScream-sized horror franchise. The 2019 film was a surprise hit, making $57.6 million on a budget of only $6 million. While this is significantly less than the firstScream’s $173 million box office,Screamwas helped by having Wes Craven attached, and original films tend to do much worse nowadays.
IfReady or Not 2is a success as well, future sequels could build the franchise’s momentum until it is as big asScream. This would definitely be the case ifScream VIIfails, allowingReady or Not 2to surpass it.
