Exclusive: Neve Campbell Addresses Scream 6 Contract

I had the pleasure once again this weekend of moderating a Q&A panel with the wonderful Campbell on the final day of Mad Monster Arizona 2022. During our discussion, we regaled her vast repertoire consisting of both movie & TV roles, wherein she confirmed she will be back co-starring as Maggie McPherson for season 2 of Netflix’s new hit series The Lincoln Lawyer.

Following from this, we naturally segued to the topic of Scream’s Sydney Prescott: the integral & intimate character Campbell played throughout the decades of the timeless horror franchise. I sounded off the Q&A by addressing the growing rumors surrounding her purported involvement in Scream 6– seeing as how the franchise’s most recent installment was a resounding success, kicking off the new year with a bang to the delight of both loyal & venturing horror fans.

…But before we get to her comments from this weekend’s Q&A, let’s take a moment to revisit what
Neve said in her statement to her audience last month:

“Sadly, I won’t be making the next Scream film . . . [A]s a woman, I’ve had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to Scream. I felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I’ve brought to the franchise. [I]t’s been a very difficult decision to move on. I’m forever grateful to you and to what this franchise has given me over the past 25 years.”

Considering Paramount Studio’s unanticipated accolades, we were especially heartbroken to learn that–even after the January relaunch’s rampant success– Paramount refused to provide a worthy offer that would take into account everything she’s brought to both the character and the franchise over a decades-long career. It’s especially disheartening when one learns of just how dedicated she was to the character of Sydney Prescott and how invested she became over the years.

“There is not, I am afraid to say, sorry I’m sorry guys.”

Responding to a fan at close of our panel, Campbell commented further:

“I’m really thankful that the end . . . of her journey is with her not a victim, very strong; representing, as I said, great strength to people…and that she has become an icon to people in that way is pretty awesome.”

Several more attendees vocally reiterated how much her character provided hope and inspiration to
them, particularly those living with PTSD.

There’s no horror without heart, and there’s no Scream without Sydney Prescott. And while the franchise continues to brace horror junkies for a new, fresh fix of that sought-after suspense which leaves us at the edges of our seats, there is nonetheless a subtle yet resounding poignancy to Sydney ‘s character that touches on the depths of our humanity. Like many of the fans she inspires, Sydney herself is a PTSD survivor, and that is something that demands recognition. Watching Campbell as Sydney not only continue to be a fighter and a survivor as well as overcome PTSD that comes from being a survivor of traumatic events, and also be able to have a life and family provides hope to a number of fans.

A notable topic of discussion held that was held during our February 2022 Panel for Mad Monster Party Charlotte she’s the first actress to have starred in (at the time) every film released in any single horror franchise–and that’s an incredible accomplishment that can’t be overlooked especially when it’s been over a stretch of 25 years.

While it’s sad that knowing Campbell won’t be returning to Scream 6, she comforts fans with the knowledge that Sydney’s story ends with her not simply a victim. But regardless of how this journey unfolds, we are as a grateful and supportive audience–of whom consists of generations of fans–led in on a story’s new beginning…a story which stars her as a Survivor.