David Arquette’s Dewey Returns in ‘Scream 7’ Amid Shocking Comebacks

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 4, 2025) – David Arquette is making a surprising return as Deputy Dewey Riley in the upcoming film, ‘Scream 7,’ set to hit theaters on February 27, 2026. The character, who was killed off in the fifth installment, has been confirmed to reappear along with actors Scott Foley and Matthew Lillard, who are also returning from their previously deceased roles.

Details about how Dewey will return remain undisclosed, creating a buzz among fans still reeling from his demise at the hands of Ghostface, portrayed by Oscar winner Mikey Madison, in the 2022 film, ‘Scream.’ Dewey, first introduced in the original ‘Scream’ film in 1996, has been a beloved figure, serving as the clumsy but earnest deputy in the fictional town of Woodsboro.

Arquette’s character shared an emotional connection with the series’ lead characters, including Gale Weathers, played by Courteney Cox, who is also set to reprise her role in ‘Scream 7.’ The complexity of Dewey’s past relationships, especially his marriage to Gale, adds an intriguing layer to the upcoming narrative.

“I understand the reasons they did it, but whoa! Talk about a missed character,” Cox previously commented regarding Dewey’s death, emphasizing the affection fans have for him. “They have to figure it out,” she added, hinting at the potential for her husband’s return in the narrative.

The film is set to be directed by Kevin Williamson, who also wrote the original ‘Scream’ film and will make his directorial debut with this sequel. Williamson’s involvement has raised anticipation, as he aims to amplify the essence of the franchise while introducing innovative elements.

Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown are returning alongside newcomers Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, Sam Rechner, Anna Camp, Joel McHale, Mark Consuelos, and Ethan Embry. The film’s ensemble signifies a blend of legacy characters and fresh faces, aiming to maintain the franchise’s signature suspense and horror.

‘Scream 7’ will also mark the return of characters portrayed by Foley and Lillard, further intertwining the storylines of the past with the present. Lillard’s character, Stu Macher, was a key antagonist in the first film, creating intrigue about how the writers plan to reintroduce these beloved figures.

Gooding teased in February that fans can expect an “amplification of what’s come before,” hinting at more intense sequences featuring Ghostface. “I think that Ghostface is absolutely the most brutal he’s been,” Gooding stated, drawing excitement for how the horror element will evolve.

While reports indicate that Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, who starred in the previous films, will not return for this installment, the focus on legacy characters suggests a shift toward the franchise’s origins. This change raises questions about continuity, particularly how resurrecting characters might affect the overarching narrative.

As anticipation builds for ‘Scream 7,’ fans are left speculating about the potential for flashbacks, plot twists, and the connections that will emerge between returning characters. The franchise, having collectively grossed over $900 million worldwide across its five prior films, continues to captivate audiences.