Mason Gooding to Return for Scream 7 After Cast Shakeups

Mason Gooding Is Set to Return for Scream 7 After 'Core Four' Cast Shake-Ups

Mason Gooding is reprising his role, while franchise costars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega will not be back

Published on December 17, 2024 12:40PM EST

Mason Gooding attends the Loewe Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 24, 2023 in Paris, France. — Mason Gooding. Photo:
Pascal Le Segretain/Getty

Mason Gooding is signing up for more Scream thrills.

The actor, 29, is set to reprise his role as Chad Meeks-Martin in director Kevin Williamson’s upcoming seventh installment in the horror franchise.

Gooding, who is the son of Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr., previously starred in Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023). His character was part of the rebooted "Core Four," along with Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega and Jasmin Savoy Brown, who played his twin sister.

Ortega, 22, it was reported in November 2023, dropped out of the sequel due to scheduling conflicts. Barrera, 34, who played Ortega’s older sister, will also not be returning to the sequel after she was fired that same month. Brown, 30, has not yet signed on.

The news comes as Neve Campbell, known for playing Sidney Prescott in the films, will be back for the sequel after not appearing in the sixth movie due to a contractual disagreement.

Gooding joins a growing cast that so far includes Isabel May as Campbell's daughter, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace and Sam Rechner.

Mason Gooding, Scream — Gooding in 'Scream'.
Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group'

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According to Variety, Courteney Cox is “circling a return,” though she hasn’t yet officially signed on for the seventh installment.

Gooding, who next stars in the horror film Heart Eyes, in theaters Feb. 7, previously told Variety in March, “If it could make money, I guarantee they’re making it. It’s all about keeping up with what feels like is the best movie for the fans. Scream doesn’t exist without the people who enjoy is as much as they do. If people want it, they will certainly try their best to see it happen.”

L-r, Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's "Scream VI." — Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown and Gooding in 'Scream VI'.
Philippe Bossa/PARAMOUNT PICTURES

Campbell and director Williamson confirmed in a joint Instagram post in October that the film was on its way to theaters in 2026.

"It’s gonna be a killer 2026. #Scream7,” the caption read alongside a photo of a knife stabbing a calendar showing the movie's release date surrounded by blood splatters.

Scream 7 is in theaters Feb. 27, 2026.