Skeet Ulrich Reveals Original ‘Scream 7’ Arc Planned to Turn Sam Carpenter into Ghostface Killer

Skeet Ulrich, who originated the role of Billy Loomis in the 1996 ‘Scream’, disclosed details of an abandoned storyline for the seventh installment. The plan centered on a multi-film narrative arc that would gradually transform his onscreen daughter, Sam Carpenter, into a Ghostface killer. This revelation highlights the franchise’s evolving direction amid significant production upheavals.

The concept emerged during discussions for Ulrich’s return in ‘Scream’ (2022), which introduced Sam as Billy’s biological daughter. Writers envisioned a trilogy where Billy’s influence corrupted Sam over three films, building on her established vulnerability to violent impulses. Ulrich confirmed the intent in an exclusive interview, stating, “When we talked about coming back for 5, it was a three-picture arc for Billy Loomis to slowly turn his daughter into the killer.”

Sam’s arc in the fifth and sixth films laid groundwork for this twist. In ‘Scream’, she first experienced dissociative episodes tied to her father’s legacy, stabbing a killer while blacked out. The sixth film amplified her internal conflict, with hallucinations of Billy urging aggression during attacks. These elements positioned her as a potential antagonist, subverting the final girl’s trope central to the series.

Production changes derailed the plan. Melissa Barrera, who portrayed Sam, exited in November 2023 following social media posts deemed antisemitic by studio executives. Directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin departed soon after due to scheduling conflicts with another project. Jenna Ortega, Sam’s core survivor counterpart, also left, citing contractual disputes over salary and availability.

These exits prompted a script overhaul under new director Kevin Williamson, who helmed the original ‘Scream’. The narrative shifted away from Sam entirely, refocusing on Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott. Now in her mid-50s, Sidney faces threats to her family, including daughter Tatum Riley, played by Isabel May, and husband Mark Evans, portrayed by Joel McHale. Returning cast members Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown reprise their roles as the Meeks-Martin twins, amid new additions like Celeste O’Connor and Asa Germann.

Ulrich’s comments underscore the franchise’s adaptability since Wes Craven’s death in 2015. Radio Silence’s duo revitalized the series with meta-commentary on reboots and social media’s role in horror. Williamson’s return promises a return to roots, emphasizing legacy characters over newer ones like Sam. The pivot avoids deepening Sam’s villainy, which could have alienated fans after two films of her heroism.

Filming for ‘Scream 7′ commenced in August 2025 in Wilmington, North Carolina, under a tightened budget following Paramount’s merger with Skydance Media. The studio aims for a February 2026 release, aligning with the series’ biennial cadence disrupted by the 2023 delays. Courteney Cox remains attached as Gale Weathers, providing continuity despite the cast shakeup.

This storyline shift reflects broader industry trends toward established IPs amid streaming competition. ‘Scream VI’ grossed $169 million worldwide on a $14 million budget, proving the formula’s viability. By centering Sidney, producers safeguard the franchise’s emotional core while navigating controversies that nearly sank the project.

Ulrich expressed no regrets over the changes, noting in the interview that “those things didn’t pan out, given certain things that happened.” His brief 2022 cameo via deepfake technology sparked fan demand for more, but the trilogy vision dissolved with the cast turnover. Sam Carpenter’s future remains uncertain, though Barrera has pursued roles in ‘Ministry of Vengeance’ and a ‘Carmen’ adaptation.

The revelation fuels speculation on alternate endings, with fans debating online whether Sam’s turn would have elevated or undermined the series’ suspense. Williamson’s script, co-written by Guy Busick, incorporates four Ghostface killers, per leaks, heightening the whodunit stakes. As production wraps principal photography this month, ‘Scream 7’ positions itself as a bridge between old and new eras.