Scream 7 is slashing its way to what could become the biggest opening weekend in franchise history.
The latest installment from Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group is projected to debut around $60 million domestically, with some industry analysts suggesting it could climb into the mid-$60 million range depending on weekend momentum.
If those numbers hold, it will mark the strongest launch in the nearly 30-year history of the Scream franchise.
Record-Breaking Start
The film pulled in $28.8 million from opening day and preview screenings alone, the best first-day performance the franchise has ever seen. Strong presales played a key role, with more than half of ticket buyers purchasing within the last week.
Premium formats, including IMAX and other large-screen experiences, are contributing heavily, accounting for roughly 40% of ticket sales so far.
Collectively, all films at the box office this weekend are expected to generate over $110 million, more than doubling the same weekend from last year.
Old Guard, Strong Results
Despite the absence of previous franchise stars Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera, ticket sales have not slowed. Instead, longtime franchise leads Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox appear to be drawing audiences back.
Exit polling shows that more than half of moviegoers attended because of their loyalty to the franchise, while nearly a third cited the cast as a major reason for buying tickets.
There’s even industry chatter about a “Neve-aissance,” as Campbell is also gaining attention for her role in the The Lincoln Lawyer.
Audience Reactions & Demographics
The film earned a B- CinemaScore, slightly lower than Scream VI’s B+ but in line with 2011’s Scream 4. While critical and audience reactions vary, turnout remains strong.
This time around, the 25–34 age group leads ticket buyers, shifting slightly older compared to the previous installment. Audience breakdowns also show increased turnout among Black moviegoers compared to the last film, while Hispanic and Latino attendance remains strong.
Marketing Strategy Paid Off
The promotional strategy leaned heavily into digital and social platforms, targeting younger audiences directly. Television ad spending was relatively lean and strategically placed around major sports programming, including NFL and NBA broadcasts. Paramount also secured a high-profile Super Bowl pre-game spot to amplify awareness.
The formula appears clear: nostalgia combined with a younger audience equals serious box office heat.
