Scream 7 likely won’t be released as early as some would like, but those delays could be the perfect opportunity for a franchise first for Ghostface.

Scream 7's release date hasn't been announced, but the movie's unavoidable delays due to a few factors could result in a fun setting wish finally coming true. The Scream franchise is historically connected to the fictional town of Woodsboro, California, where the original 1996 movie was set. However, throughout the slasher series, the story also took place at Windsor College in Ohio, Hollywood, and New York City. Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott, in particular, couldn't hide from her Woodsboro past and anyone who took over as Ghostface. The same could be said for Sam, Tara, Mindy, and Chad, the core four at the center of the last two Scream installments.

Following their own run-in with Ghostface killers in Scream 5 and complicated connections to the original event, Scream 6 saw Sam, Tara, Mindy, and Chad relocate to New York City. Following the college formula of Scream 2, the survivors attempted to leave their traumas behind and start fresh in a new city. Like what happened to Sidney and her friends decades prior, new Ghostface killers followed. Based on their fates, Scream 7's story will likely remain in New York City for the next chapter directed by Christopher Landon. Based on the timeline of modern Scream movies and current delays, Scream 7 can dive into something previously unseen in the franchise.

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Scream 7 Has A Chance At A Winter Setting In New York City

Based on Scream 6's box office success and positive reception, it was surprising how long Paramount waited to officially announce Scream 7. Aside from Christopher Landon confirmed to direct, details regarding the sequel have been minimal. While it's all but guaranteed that Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding will return as the core four, the cast hasn't been announced. This is likely due to ongoing delays related to the writer's and actor's strikes, the second of which is still ongoing. Any hope to fast-track Scream 7 has diminished, but that's fine for those hoping for a winter setting.

Not only will all cast members have to sign on to Scream 7, but their schedules will have to align for the new sequel. This could be difficult for actors like Jenna Ortega, who is attached to several current projects. Delays throughout the industry will cause a domino effect, meaning any hope for fast-tracking could slowed down. That said, depending on the writing and production side of planning, it's still possible that Scream 7 could arrive in late 2024 or early 2025, allowing for the sequel to be set during the winter months in New York City. This would be the first time a Scream movie would be set in a snowy environment, and it could allow the sequel to incorporate a winter holiday.

Why Having Ghostface In The Snow Would Be A Fun Change For A Scream Sequel

Scream 6 was set around Halloween, which was very appropriate for the story and slasher vibe. However, Halloween and horror go hand-in-hand, so it didn't really offer anything unseen in the franchise. Conversely, having Ghostface terrorize his victims during winter amid a snowstorm or snowy setting could be a thrilling change for the Scream franchise. The Ghostface killers in Scream 6 had the challenge of hunting in one of the most populated cities in the world. Throw in a new risk of wearing a black costume while targeting victims in the snow, and the movie could present the most innovative Ghostface yet.

If Scream 7's delays allow for the setting, the story could find the core four during a college winter break or even coming together to celebrate Christmas. This option could also involve Courteney Cox's Gale and even Sidney, considering Campbell's Scream 7 return is more likely now. Since the survivors have united as a family, using a major holiday that brings families together would be fitting. It would also prevent a new sequel from feeling too repetitive. So even if delays can't be avoided for Scream 7, some good could come out of them.