Scream 7 opens with franchise-best $64.1 million box office win

Paramount's latest installment in the slasher movie series sees a strong debut, signaling a new era for the studio.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The seventh installment of the 'Scream' franchise opened with a franchise-best $64.1 million at the box office, surpassing the previous high set by 'Scream VI' in 2023. The film's success is a win for Paramount, which recently announced its intention to merge with Warner Bros. Discovery. The return of original cast member Neve Campbell, as well as the film's availability on premium format screens, contributed to the strong opening weekend performance.

Why it matters

The overperformance of 'Scream 7' is a significant milestone for Paramount, as the studio looks to establish itself as a major player in the entertainment landscape following its merger with Skydance and the upcoming acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The film's success also highlights the continued appeal of the 'Scream' franchise, which has managed to grow its audience with each new installment.

The details

Directed by Kevin Williamson, who wrote the original 1996 film, 'Scream 7' sees the return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, along with other original cast members Courteney Cox, David Arquette, and Matthew Lillard. The film follows Sidney and her 17-year-old daughter as they are haunted by Ghostface in the suburban community of Pine Grove. While reviews were mixed, the film's strong box office performance is a testament to the enduring popularity of the 'Scream' franchise.

  • On Friday, Paramount announced its intention to merge with Warner Bros. Discovery.
  • Scream 7 opened in theaters on March 1, 2026.

The players

Paramount

An American film and television production and distribution company, which recently announced its intention to merge with Warner Bros. Discovery.

Neve Campbell

An actress who reprised her role as Sidney Prescott in Scream 7, after sitting out the previous installment, Scream VI.

Kevin Williamson

The writer of the original 1996 Scream film, who stepped in to direct Scream 7 after the departure of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega from the project.

Courteney Cox

An actress who reprised her role as Gale Weathers in Scream 7, continuing her involvement in the franchise.

David Arquette

An actor who reprised his role as Dewey Riley in Scream 7, another original cast member returning to the franchise.

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What they’re saying

“This is the first time that the new Paramount team has gotten their arms around a movie, not necessarily from the production side but from the marketing and distribution side. It's really an exciting time for the new Paramount.”

— Josh Goldstine, President of global marketing and distribution at Paramount

“The film's success speaks to the strength of the brand and Ghostface's staying power as an iconic villain. When you put that on the biggest screens in the country, audiences are even more excited to watch it together.”

— Shaun Barber, Head of domestic distribution for Paramount

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and the strong box office performance of Scream 7 signal a new era for the studio, as it looks to establish itself as a major player in the entertainment industry. The continued success of the Scream franchise, despite mixed reviews, highlights the enduring appeal of the slasher genre and the power of nostalgia-driven franchises.