Neve Campbell Says Farewell to the Scream Franchise
After a 26‑year run—keeping all those screaming fans on the edge of their seats—Neve Campbell is stepping away from Scream over what she describes as a “salary mismatch.” The 48‑year‑old Wild Things star announced that her latest offer just didn’t match the worth she’s brought to the slasher saga.
She’s Been the Queen of Screams
For 25 years, Neve has portrayed the feared, fearless protagonist Sidney Prescott, championing that franchise so fiercely that it’s practically a rite of passage for horror lovers. From the original 1996 flick to the bungles of the reboot, her dynamic presence earned the series top‑tier box‑office muscle.
- Box office haul: $744.5 million across five films (four times the budget)
- Sixth installment expected to start production this summer
- Scream’s debut earned $173 million on a $15 million budget
“It Was a Hard Decision”
In a candid statement released June 6, Neve said: “I won’t be in the next Scream film.” She called out the gender inequality she’s faced in the industry, adding that the new contract felt “devaluing” compared to the “value” she’d injected into the series.
From my point of view, it’s a conversation that extends far beyond the movies—about gender, about economics, about what it means to stay true to yourself while still receiving fair compensation. And she’s left a heartfelt note to her fans: “I love you. You’ve been so supportive. I’m forever grateful.”
What Do We Know About the Money?
Neve’s earning track record over the first three films topped $9 million:
- First film: $1.5 million
- Second film: $3.5 million
- Third film: $4 million
The later films likely involved typical Hollywood “back‑end” deals—stars take a lower upfront fee for a slice of the box‑office pie. Still, the exact numbers for the fourth and fifth instalments remain hush‑hush.
Dermot Mulroney Joins the Roster
While Neve is on ice, Dermot Mulroney is slated to fill the vacancy, coming in as a cop.
Alongside him, the reboot surprisingly reunites the original cast: Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Jenna Ortega. The “My Best Friend’s Wedding” star claims the new script is a “top‑quality” plot, even if she stays vague about the details.
Final Thoughts
Neve Campbell’s exit is a sobering reminder that even blockbuster franchises aren’t immune to the realities of fandom, gender dynamics, and paycheck protest. The franchise will undoubtedly feel her absence, but her legacy—whether on screen or behind the scenes—will echo through every future scream.
