Neve Campbell Opens Up About Her Disappointment with a Storytelling Choice in 'Scream 5'
Neve Campbell reveals her disappointment with a storytelling choice in 'Scream 5' after her return to the franchise Explore her thoughts on the twist that didn't quite meet her expectations
Neve Campbell recently expressed her disappointment with a particular plot twist in the Scream franchise. Speaking at Monster-Mania Con, the 50-year-old actress revealed her sadness over the character Dewey's death in the fifth film. Despite her usual aversion to critique, Campbell found the writing in this instance to be tragic.
Campbell expressed her disappointment with the decision to remove David, who played Dewey, a main character in the franchise since its inception in 1996.
"I was truly upset about them getting rid of David," she expressed. "Dewey is a fantastic character, and all of us were fond of him. It left us feeling quite melancholic. I understand it was done for a greater impact, but now I find myself yearning for his presence and wanting to see more of him."
After opting out of Scream VI, Campbell patiently awaited the latest installment for nearly nine months. "I only watched it two weeks ago," she revealed, referring to the film that debuted in March. "I genuinely believe they did an excellent job. The cast consists of truly talented and remarkable actors. I genuinely wanted the movie to succeed."
Neve Campbell in ‘Scream 5.’ Paramount Pictures/YouTube
Campbell made it clear that her departure didn’t affect her love for the franchise.
"I don't sit at home hoping for failure or wishing it won't do well. I genuinely care about everyone involved in these films. While there may be someone at the top who is solely focused on money, I care about the quality of these movies and I care about that for all of you who love them. I believe they did an excellent job."
Campbell gained fame by portraying Sidney Prescott in the slasher films from 1996 to 2011, alongside Courteney Cox and Arquette. She reprised her role as Sidney Prescott in 2022's Scream but declined to continue after turning down the studio's salary offer.
“Regrettably, my involvement in the upcoming Scream film will not be realized. As a woman, I have diligently strived to establish my worth in my career, particularly in relation to Scream. The offer extended to me, in my opinion, did not reflect the value I have contributed to the franchise,” Campbell conveyed in a statement to We in June 2022. “It has been an immensely challenging decision to move forward. To all my devoted Scream fans, I deeply cherish you. Your unwavering support has always meant the world to me. I am eternally grateful for what this franchise has bestowed upon me throughout the past 25 years.”
In 'Scream 5', David Arquette stars alongside the original characters, portraying the ongoing theme of none of them being safe from Ghostface. This was particularly evident when Dewey's unexpected demise shocked audiences. In a similar vein, Gale Weathers, played by Cox, narrowly evaded a vicious assault in her own residence during the sixth installment.
Sidney’s absence was explained by Gale, who revealed she had gone into hiding to safeguard her family. Gale also expressed that Sidney deserved a satisfying conclusion.
Even though Campbell has left the Scream franchise, she hasn't completely dismissed the possibility of returning in the future, provided she receives fair compensation.
"I haven't finished with the chapter yet," she expressed to Entertainment Tonight in August 2022. "I hold a deep attachment to these movies. If they were to approach me with a suitable compensation that matches the value I bring, I would definitely contemplate it. I genuinely care for these new directors; their exceptional work on the previous installment deserves commendation and I am sincerely wishing them success."
She further remarked, "It is regrettable that things unfolded in an unfavorable manner; it was not the way it should have transpired. I firmly believe that if I were a male counterpart in this franchise, after 25 years and five movies, the offer would have been vastly different."
