In 1996, moviegoers were introduced to one of the most memorable movie villains of all time: Ghostface. With a reception that rivaled Halloween (1978), Friday the 13th (1980), and Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), Scream quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The film franchise told the story of a young woman terrorized by a voice on the phone who kills behind a Ghostface mask. It spawned a number of sequels, but eventually, the franchise hit a lull in 2011.

In 2022, however, the franchise was revitalized with Scream, a sequel given the same name as the original. The film was praised for “honoring Craven’s legacy and offering thoughtful meta-commentary on horror films” and was noted as being “the best of the Scream sequels.” The success of the fifth film led to a direct sequel -- Scream 6 -- being announced in February of 2022, and it's scheduled to hit theaters next spring.

Here is everything we know so far.

Scream 6: The Plot

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Paramount Pictures

The film is set to take place in New York City this time around. The official synopsis reads:

“The Scream saga continues with the four survivors of the Ghostface killings as they leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter.”

Not much else is known about the future sequel, and it's designed to be that way. Scream (2022) star Melissa Barrera, who will return for the sequel, told Us:

“They have us so tight-lipped around here. All I can say is how it feels. I don’t wanna say the wrong word, but it feels scarier…I think people are gonna be surprised.”

Scream 6: Cast & Crew

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Dimension Films

Barrera isn’t the only cast member returning for the film. She is joined by Jenna Ortega (X, 2022), Mason Gooding (Booksmart, 2019), Jasmin Savoy Brown (For the People, 2018-2019), Hayden Panettiere (Scream 4, 2011), and the ever-present Courteney Cox (Shining Vale, 2022). Cox’s iconic Gale Weathers will be the only character to be featured in all six of the Scream films. She is also the only woman ever to be featured in six consecutive horror films.

Newcomers to the franchise will be Ready or Not’s (2019) Henry Czerny and Samara Weaving. Joining them will be Tony Revolori, who recently has portrayed Flash Thompson in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Liana Liberato of Light as a Feather (2018-2019), and Dermot Mulroney (Umma, 2022), as well as many others. When asked about his character in the film, Mulroney spilled:

“Yeah, I play a cop…I guess I shouldn’t say that my daughter is one of the victims…but I don’t have to describe how or in what way, so that’s what draws me into the story is strong family ties.”

The film will see the return of directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, who came to the franchise to direct the fifth film. Also returning as writers are James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, who both wrote the fifth film as well as 2019’s Ready or Not. This film also marks the return of Kevin Williamson, original writer and creator, as an executive producer.

Related: Why The Black Phone Is One of the Most Compelling Modern Horror Movies

Also on the movie as executive producers are Gary Barber (Glass, 2019), Cathy Konrad (Scream, 2022), Marianne Maddalena (Scream, 2022), Peter Oillataguerre (Dead Silence, 2007), and Chad Villella (Southbound, 2015). Joining as producers will be Paul Neinstein (Bed Rest, 2022), William Sherak (Ambulance, 2022), and James Vanderbilt.

Scream Is Moving Forward Without Sidney

Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox in Scream 5
Paramount Pictures

Although this film will see the return of several important characters, it will be the first film not to feature the title character Sidney Prescott played by Neve Campbell. Campbell announced in June of this year that she would not be returning to the franchise after issues regarding her contract and salary. Her official statement read:

"As a woman, I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to Scream. I felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise. It's been a very difficult decision to move on. To all my Scream fans, I love you. You've always been so incredibly supportive to me. I'm forever grateful to you and to what this franchise has given me over the past 25 years."

Related: Scream 6 Will See Ghostface Wreak Slasher Havoc in New York City

Many critics claimed this to be the end of an era for the films and have since argued that the continuation of the films without its final girl will be all for nothing. However, Barrera took the time in her interview with Us Weekly to comment on Campbell’s absence.

“It’s hard thinking that we’re making a movie without her. Of course, Sidney is present. Her essence is present in the movie. You just can’t ignore that…We were all heartbroken, but we totally understand and respect her decision and hopefully if we get to make another one, we can have her back.”

Scream 6: Release Date

The film is slated for a worldwide release on March 31, 2023. Until then, fans have time to think about their answer to one very important question: “What’s your favorite scary movie?”