AceShowbiz - Despite being a horror staple for decades, the "Scream" franchise has undergone significant changes ahead of its seventh installment. Following the departure of original star Neve Campbell after salary negotiations, Melissa Barrera's firing over social media posts and Jenna Ortega's exit due to scheduling conflicts, the cast has been left in a state of flux.

While fans were initially expecting to see Barrera and Ortega reprise their roles, their absences leave only Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding as the remaining main characters. The return of Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers has been confirmed, while Hayden Panettiere's participation in "Scream VII" remains uncertain.

Cox has recently confirmed that she would be making a return to the franchise. "I'm the longest running 'Scream' queen, so I guess I can't stop now," she shared at the Inc. 5000 Conference, which took place on October 16-18 in Palm Desert, California.

After the release of "Scream VI", which explored Sam's struggle with her father's murderous legacy, the franchise has seen a shift in directors. Christopher Landon has exited the project, and Kevin Williamson, the original screenwriter, will now helm the seventh film.

One popular fan theory suggests that Stu Macher, one of the original Ghostface killers, may not be dead. This theory has gained traction since the franchise's revival, and Matthew Lillard, who played Stu, has expressed interest in returning to the role.

Before her dismissal, Melissa Barrera expressed her keen interest in exploring Sam's mental health and duality as a hero and a potential villain. She remains hopeful that future installments will delve deeper into her character's complexities.