‘Scream 7’ Eyes $60M Global Opening, Second-Best Debut for Long-Running Horror Franchise
Paramount and Spyglass
Ghostface returns to familiar territory as Paramount’s slasher sequel targets another strong franchise launch.
Ghostface isn’t done carving up the box office.
Paramount and Spyglass’ Scream 7 is heading toward a projected $60 million-plus global debut, positioning the latest installment as the second-biggest opening in the franchise’s nearly 30-year history. The figure would trail only Scream VI, which set the high-water mark for the modern era of the series with a $66.4 million worldwide launch.
The seventh entry arrives with momentum and a strategic release window largely to itself. The film is the weekend’s only major wide opener, rolling out across approximately 3,500 theaters in the U.S. and Canada alongside launches in 52 international markets. Early industry chatter suggests the domestic portion could overperform its current $40 million tracking range, though recent forecasting volatility across the marketplace has made analysts cautious about declaring any upside too early.
What’s clearly working in the film’s favor is a return to franchise roots. After Scream VI took the action to Manhattan, Scream 7 brings Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott back to Pine Grove, Indiana — the site of Ghostface’s original terror. This time, the stakes are personal in a new way, with Sidney’s daughter becoming the killer’s target. For longtime fans, the creative shift may prove meaningful, particularly with franchise architect Kevin Williamson stepping into the director’s chair for the first time. Williamson co-wrote the screenplay alongside returning writer Guy Busick, giving the project strong legacy continuity.
Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group's 'Scream 7.' PARAMOUNT PICTURES
From a cost perspective, the film remains relatively disciplined for a studio horror play. The reported $45 million net production budget, co-financed by Paramount and Spyglass, keeps profitability within reach even if the sequel lands closer to baseline projections. The broader franchise has already amassed roughly $908.5 million worldwide across six prior films, underscoring the property’s enduring commercial floor.
Internationally, the rollout is expected to generate roughly $20 million in its opening frame, led by key markets including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom. Europe has historically been fertile ground for the franchise, with France, the U.K. and Germany delivering particularly strong returns on the previous installment. However, the Mexico launch carries some uncertainty due to regional instability that could impact weekend moviegoing patterns.
POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP
Domestically, the film is expected to draw a familiar demographic mix, skewing toward the core horror audience of males and females aged 17–34, along with strong multicultural turnout. The franchise has traditionally been frontloaded — typical for the genre — but preview performance will be closely watched. Scream VI set the modern benchmark with $5.7 million in Thursday previews and a $19.2 million opening Friday.
Exhibition-wise, Scream 7 is expanding its premium footprint. While not presented in 3D like its predecessor, the film will play in IMAX and ScreenX auditoriums for the first time, along with D-Box and other premium large-format screens. That expanded PLF presence could provide incremental upside if fan demand spikes.
The bigger picture is straightforward: horror remains one of the most reliable theatrical genres in a volatile marketplace, and the Scream brand continues to prove remarkably resilient. Whether Scream 7 ultimately matches the breakout energy of its immediate predecessor will depend on weekend word of mouth — but from a positioning standpoint, Ghostface is once again entering the frame with momentum.
