Scream 7 is gearing up for a potentially massive return to theaters when it opens on February 27. Early box office tracking suggests the latest installment in the long-running horror franchise could debut in the mid-$30 million range, which would rank as the second-highest opening weekend in the series’ nearly 30-year history. The only Scream film to open bigger was Scream VI, which stunned Hollywood with a $44.4 million launch driven largely by the explosive popularity of Jenna Ortega following her breakout success on Wednesday.
So far, Scream 7 is showing especially strong momentum with younger moviegoers between the ages of 17 and 34, as well as diverse audiences. Industry tracking indicates solid “definite interest” and first-choice demand, two key signals of box office strength. Tickets officially go on sale Monday after the film’s pre-Super Bowl commercial airs, a marketing moment that often provides a clearer snapshot of real audience demand ahead of release.
Early data also suggests Scream 7 is outperforming several recent genre titles in first-choice interest, including Scream VI, The Conjuring: Last Rites, and Final Destination: Bloodlines. However, some box office analysts are urging caution, noting that the presence of lower-performing films in current tracking models could be slightly inflating expectations. Even so, the buzz surrounding the film remains notably strong compared to previous entries at the same stage.
Creatively, Scream 7 marks a return to the franchise’s roots. After Scream VI shifted the action to New York City, the new film brings the story back to a more traditional small-town setting. That shift is paired with a major nostalgia boost thanks to the long-awaited return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, a character deeply tied to the franchise’s legacy. Fans are also excited to see original Scream writer Kevin Williamson step into the director’s chair for the first time, taking full creative control of the series he helped define.
The film arrives during a critical period for the 2026 box office, with the Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day holiday frame expected to drive moviegoing. Warner Bros is eyeing a strong debut with Wuthering Heights, starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, which is tracking toward a $40 million opening. Sony is also in the mix with Goat, an original animated feature produced by NBA star Stephen Curry, projected to earn around $30 million over the three-day weekend, helping inject fresh momentum into theaters early in the year.
