Kevin Williamson Says He Won’t Direct SCREAM 8

The future of the Scream franchise may still be wide open. While Scream 7 is still carving up the box office, franchise creator Kevin Williamson has revealed that he doesn’t plan to direct the next installment.

Williamson, who wrote the original Scream and recently stepped into the director’s chair for Scream 7, says that if the series continues, he’d prefer to step back and let another filmmaker guide the next chapter of the iconic horror saga.

Speaking with Hello Sidney, Williamson explained that his role in a potential follow-up would likely be different from what fans just saw with Scream 7.

“Not Scream [8], no… I think for the next Scream I'll step back and be part of the family again,” Williamson told Hello Sidney when pressed on whether he would helm the next Scream chapter.

He made it clear that the franchise doesn’t need to revolve around him creatively and that he’s interested in seeing a new perspective take shape if another film gets the green light.

“I have some ideas of where it could go, but I'm anxious to see what another storyteller could do with it,” Williamson said. “I hope we get the chance to do it. It's nice to be part of the Scream family.

“That doesn't always mean I have to be front and center. I don't always have to write or direct; other people can take the reins.”

In this case the next movie is being written by Lilla Zuckerman and Nora Zuckerman. They recently served as showrunners on Peacock’s hit series Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne, and previously contributed to a range of fan-favorite shows like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Suits, and Fringe.

That uncertainty may surprise some fans considering the strong opening weekend for Scream 7. The film, which sees Neve Campbell return as Sidney Prescott, debuted with nearly $100 million worldwide during its opening weekend.

Williamson previously revealed that Campbell brought an intriguing concept to the table during development.

“Neve had this great idea, and everyone seemed to run with it.. If [Scream 7] works and people want it, we're here for the fans. So, if they want it, we'll certainly give it to them.”

Scream 7 continues the saga of Ghostface targeting Sidney Prescott once again, this time with the killer focusing on her daughter, Tatum. The film also stars Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Matthew Lillard, and Anna Camp.

The franchise clearly still has life in it.