Neve Campbell, Who Left Scream after Labeling it as Sexist, Has a Condition to Return to $911M Franchise
Scream fans were shocked earlier this year when leading lady Neve Campbell announced she wouldn’t return for the next installment. But the actress later revealed she’s open to coming back under certain circumstances after exiting Scream 6 over salary disputes. Campbell has played slasher-final girl Sidney Prescott since the original 1996 Scream.
Her departure came as a huge blow given her long-running instrumental involvement in the hugely successful horror franchise. There were even speculations of the movie franchise shutting down the production of Scream movies altogether.
What Led Neve Campbell to Leave the Franchise She Helped Build?
In a June statement, Campbell said, “Sadly, I won’t be making the next Scream film.” She felt the deal offered for Scream 6 didn’t reflect her value after headlining five Scream films over 25 years and generating over $911 million worldwide.
As per Vanity Fair, according to Campbell, the Scream 6 offer failed to properly compensate her integral contributions over 25 years.
As she stated, “I did not feel that what I was being offered equated to the value that I bring to this franchise, and have brought to this franchise.”
Also Read: Courteney Cox Reveals Scream 6 Is Happening For Sure
Moreover, Campbell suggested a male actor with her franchise stature would likely receive better pay after decades anchoring a blockbuster series. As she sees it, “I honestly don’t believe that if I were a man and had done five installments of a huge blockbuster franchise over 25 years, that the number that I was offered would be the number that would be offered to a man.”
In a career spanning over 25 years, Campbell has showcased impressive range across film and television. Beyond her signature Scream role, she’s earned acclaim for diverse performances in projects like the drama The Company, the thriller Wild Things, the comedy Relative Strangers, and the Netflix series House of Cards. She’s also starred in numerous other thrillers, dramas, comedies, and action titles across mediums. This versatility and longevity have made Campbell a highly sought-after actress capable of elevating any project.
Under What Conditions Would Neve Campbell Return to Ghostface?
Though production is underway on the sixth installment without her, Campbell said she’s open to reprising the role of Sidney in potential future sequels.
“It would really depend on what they came to me with next,” she noted. “It would have to be a different attitude, and I’m not sure that’s going to happen.” According to Campbell, “If they came to me with a number that felt right, that felt respectful, that felt in keeping with my value…I’d be willing to consider [returning].”
Also Read: First Reactions to New Scream Film Are Out & It Has Wild Twists & Brutal Kills
Though Scream 6 is filming without her, Campbell said she’d consider returning under “the right circumstances.” As she explained, “It would really depend on what they came to me with next. It would have to be a different attitude.” Campbell’s willingness to walk away from the immensely popular Scream franchise at its peak underscores her commitment to seeking fair compensation as a veteran actress in Hollywood. While the door remains open, the onus is now on the studio to make things right with their iconic leading lady.
Despite anchoring a highly profitable horror franchise for 25 years and earning acclaim for her starring role as Sidney Prescott, she was not offered pay commensurate to her proven box office draw and brand value. Her choice to push back could motivate positive change in an industry long defined by significant pay gaps along gender lines.
Campbell indicated she’d return if offered pay that “felt right, that felt respectful, that felt in keeping with my value.” For now, she’s parted ways with the Scream universe but would face Ghostface again if the studio meets her requests.
