UPDATED Friday AM after Thursday PM EXCLUSIVE: Scream 7 has recorded impressive preview figures, totaling $7.8 million, setting a franchise record. The key question now is how much of this will translate to sustained box office success.
In 2022, the Spyglass/Paramount revival of Scream garnered $13.3 million from previews and the first Friday, which represented 44% of its total three-day gross of $30 million—this was during a four-day Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, resulting in $33.8 million.
The following year, Scream VI saw combined previews and first Friday earnings of $19.2 million, accounting for 43% of its impressive $44.4 million opening, which set a new franchise benchmark.
In terms of social media buzz, Scream 7 is generating considerable excitement, with prerelease platforms like Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Instagram amassing a reach of 264.5 million—11% above typical horror franchise stats, but still 27% less than Scream VI’s 360.5 million. Neve Campbell is especially active, attracting 672,000 followers, while Courteney Cox has over 20.7 million fans.
The sentiment around Scream 7 is largely positive, as reflected by the increasing enthusiasm attributed to Campbell’s prominent return, elevating her role beyond a mere cameo. Fans are expressing excitement over the nostalgic elements, with a sense that the series remains true to its essence.
This week’s top five films include:
- GOAT (Sony) 3,863 theaters Wk $20.66M (-50%), Total $62M/Wk 2
- Wuthering Heights (WB) 3,682 theaters, Wk $19.5M (-57%), Total $65.3M/Wk 2
- I Can Only Imagine 2 (LG) 3,105 theaters, Wk $10.1M/Wk 1
- Crime 101 (AMZ) 3,161 theaters, Wk $7.7M (-59%), Total $26.6M/Wk 2
- Send Help (20TH) 2,800 theaters, Wk $6.1M (-49%), Total $57.1M/Wk 4
PREVIOUSLY, EXCLUSIVE: Following their successful bid for Warner Bros Discovery, Paramount announced a strong $7.5 million in previews for Scream 7, marking a new record for the franchise.
Previously, Scream VI had set records with $5.7 million in previews, leading to a three-day domestic opening of $44.4 million and a global debut of $66.4 million. Paramount has not responded to requests for comments.
All of Scream 7’s earnings come from a series of previews starting at 6 p.m., including a special fan event featuring premium content. Unlike its predecessor, Scream 7 will not screen in 3D but will be available in IMAX and ScreenX for the first time. The film is expected to be a significant draw despite mixed critical reviews, currently sitting at 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences rate it at 79%.
Scream 7 features original franchise writer Kevin Williamson making his directorial debut after nearly three decades. The plot focuses on Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott and her daughter, Isabel May, as they confront the Ghostface killers. Produced by Radio Silence, the film also features returning characters like Courteney Cox’s Gale Weathers.
As the only major studio release this weekend, Scream 7 has a budget of $45 million before marketing expenses, with both Spyglass and Paramount sharing costs equally. The series has amassed almost $908.5 million globally across all previous installments.
Playing in 52 international markets this weekend, Scream 7 is set to launch in countries including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, and the UK.
