The upcoming sixth feature in the “Scream” franchise will mark the first entry in the series missing franchise star and legend Neve Campbell.
Failed contract negotiations ended with the actress, who plays Sidney Prescott, opting not to return. One person who is returning is Jenna Ortega, who first showed up in this year’s fifth entry.
In a new interview with Entertainment Tonight, Ortega was asked about Campbell’s absence and says it won’t be much of an issue as audiences will be too distracted to notice:
“I feel like I can’t really speak too much on that just because it’s not necessarily my character. But I will say there’s so much going on in this next one, that it’s so action-heavy and so gore-heavy, that I think you’re gonna be distracted almost.”
That doesn’t mean the film is going to ignore Sidney. On the contrary, Ortega says there are clear references to her character, and the filmmakers were very careful to be respectful of her:
“It’s very clear, like, there are references to Sidney, of course. You know, it’s nice because there’s still a protectiveness in the script, and that’s something that the actors had naturally over her because obviously we respect her and we want the best for her. She’s missed and thought of.”
The new film is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who returns after directing this year’s entry. Plot specifics are under wraps, but the film has been set for a March 31st 2023 release.
