Scream Cast: A Thrilling Look at Courteney Cox, Drew Barrymore, and the Unforgettable Stars - Where Are They Now?

Since 1996, the horror genre has undergone a profound transformation, all thanks to Ghostface's iconic question to Drew Barrymore. With three sequels and a successful TV spinoff, it's evident that the Scream franchise is here to stay.

Contrary to expectations, the first Scream film made its debut in December, a time usually associated with prestigious awards contenders and family-friendly holiday films. However, against all odds, it emerged as a massive success, drawing praise from critics who acknowledged its role in reigniting fascination with horror movies.

Based on a series of real-life murders in Florida, Scream depicts a group of high school students fighting against a masked serial killer known as Ghostface. Initially, Barrymore, a highly sought-after young actress in Hollywood, was set to play the lead role of Sidney Prescott (ultimately portrayed by Neve Campbell), but due to scheduling conflicts, she took on the smaller role of Casey Becker.

Infamously, Casey dies in the opening scene of the movie. However, the filmmakers viewed this as a valuable storytelling element. If such a significant star like Barrymore could be swiftly eliminated, it meant that any character could meet their demise at any moment.

Here's a look at the current whereabouts of the Scream cast:

- In November 2019, a new Scream film called "Scream" was announced. The movie premiered in January 2022 and included familiar faces from the franchise such as Cox, Campbell, and Arquette.

- Joining the veteran cast members were newcomers Jenna Ortega, Melissa Barrera, Jack Quaid, and Dylan Minnette.

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'Scream' Cast: Where Are They Now? Courteney Cox, Drew Barrymore and More

Ever since Ghostface posed that question to Drew Barrymore back in 1996, the horror genre has undergone a transformation. With three sequels and a television spinoff under its belt, the Scream franchise has solidified its place in the industry and continues to captivate audiences.

The Scream franchise made its debut in December, a month typically reserved for films aiming for awards recognition and Christmas-themed family entertainment. Despite the unconventional timing, the film exceeded expectations, becoming a sensational success and even being credited with reinvigorating interest in horror movies.

Drawing inspiration from a real-life series of murders in Florida, Scream tells the story of a group of high school students who find themselves battling a masked serial killer known as Ghostface. At the time, Drew Barrymore, one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actresses, had initially agreed to portray the main character, Sidney Prescott, although the role eventually went to Neve Campbell due to scheduling conflicts. Barrymore instead took on the smaller role of Casey Becker.

Casey's death in the beginning of the film became a storytelling advantage for the filmmakers, highlighting the unpredictability of the characters' fates. In November 2019, a fifth installment of the Scream franchise, titled simply "Scream," was announced. The film premiered in January 2022 and included returning actors Cox, Campbell, and Arquette, along with newcomers Ortega, Barrera, Quaid, and Minnette.

Keep scrolling for a look at where the Scream cast is now:

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Drew Barrymore

After falling victim to Ghostface, Barrymore's career soared as she starred in a string of successful movies such as The Wedding Singer, Ever After, Never Been Kissed, Charlie's Angels, Donnie Darko, 50 First Dates, and Going the Distance. In 2009, her exceptional performance in HBO's movie Grey Gardens earned her a well-deserved Golden Globe. Not only did she excel in acting, but she also ventured into the world of production by establishing her own company, Flower Films. In addition, she displayed her literary talents by publishing a compelling collection of essays titled Wildflower in 2015. Embracing a new endeavor, Barrymore embarked on her self-titled talk show in 2020, showcasing her charismatic hosting skills. Alongside her successful career, she cherishes two beautiful daughters, Olive and Frankie, whom she shares with her former spouse Will Kopelman, with whom she divorced in 2016.

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Neve Campbell

The Party of Five alum, after appearing in films such as Wild Things, Drowning Mona, and Partition, as well as TV shows like Mad Men, Grey's Anatomy, and House of Cards, has been in a relationship with JJ Feild since 2011. They have two sons together, namely Caspian and Raynor. Campbell recently made a comeback for Scream 5 in 2022, but announced her departure from the franchise due to a pay offer that she believed did not reflect her worth to the slasher series.

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Courteney Cox

Following the conclusion of Friends in 2004, the Seinfeld star pursued her TV career with great success through her roles in Dirt and Cougar Town. Additionally, she made memorable appearances as a guest on popular shows including Scrubs, Shameless, and Modern Family. During the filming of Scream, she crossed paths with her future husband, David Arquette. The couple tied the knot in 1999 and were together until 2013, during which they welcomed their daughter, Coco. Since 2013, she has been in a relationship with Johnny McDaid.

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David Arquette

Arquette joined forces once again with his Scream co-star, Barrymore, in the 1999 film Never Been Kissed. He has also appeared in various other movies and TV shows such as 3000 Miles to Graceland, Eight Legged Freaks, Pushing Daisies, and Bill Nye Saves the World. In 2015, Arquette tied the knot with Christina McLarty, and together they have two sons named Charlie and Augustus.

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Skeet Ulrich

The actor who hails from Virginia portrayed the character of Billy Loomis, one of the students involved in the disturbing killing spree. He later gained recognition for his role in the television series Jericho. From 2017 to 2021, he took on the character of FP Jones, Jughead's father, in the popular show Riverdale. The talented actor, who was previously part of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is a proud parent of twins named Naiia and Jakob, whom he shares with his former wife Georgina Cates. Their marriage ended in 2005. He was also married to Amelia Jackson-Gray from 2012 to 2015.

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Matthew Lillard

The actor who portrayed Stu Macher, Billy's partner in crime, in the SLC! Punk movie went on to have successful roles in various other films. He showcased his talent in movies like She's All That, Summer Catch, and Without a Paddle. Additionally, he brought the lovable character of Shaggy to life in the 2002 Scooby-Doo film and its sequel. In 2011, he made a brief appearance in Scream 4 and recently took on the role of the principal in Netflix's 2021 remake of She's All That, titled He's All That. This actor, known for his involvement in Twin Peaks, has been happily married to Heather Helm since 2000. Together, they have three children - daughters named Addison and Macey, as well as a son named Liam.

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Rose McGowan

The actress who starred in The Bio-Dome took on the role of Tatum Riley, Sidney's loyal best friend. She went on to showcase her talent in various films such as Jawbreaker, Monkeybone, and Machete. Her presence graced the WB series Charmed from 2001 to 2006. In 2018, she fearlessly penned the memoir Brave, unveiling her own experience of sexual assault and publicly accusing Harvey Weinstein.

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Jamie Kennedy

Randy Meeks, a horror movie enthusiast and a close friend of Sidney, was portrayed by the comedian. In addition to his role in Scream, he appeared in several other notable films such as Enemy of the State, Bowfinger, Three Kings, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, Son of the Mask, and Surviving the Wild. From 2009 to 2010, he was romantically involved with his Ghost Whisperer co-star, Jennifer Love Hewitt.

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Liev Schreiber

The original suspect in Sidney's mother's murder, Cotton Weary, was portrayed by the Tony winner. Following his role in Scream, he went on to star in several films, including The Painted Veil, Hamlet, The Manchurian Candidate, Defiance, Creed, and The Butler. Showtime's drama series Ray Donovan featured him in the titular role from 2013 to 2020. Alongside his ex Naomi Watts, he is a proud father to two sons, Sasha and Kai.

In this article

Courteney Cox

David Arquette

Drew Barrymore

Jamie Kennedy

Liev Schreiber

Matthew Lillard

Neve Campbell

Rose McGowan

Skeet Ulrich