Oh, this was not expected and we’re not sure how we feel about it because, well, Sidney Prescott has been probably my favourite final girl ever since I watched – and loved – Scream, way back in 1996.

Anyway, star Neve Campbell has confirmed that, sadly, after five movies, she will not be returning as the iconic character in the upcoming Scream 6.

Back in April, when it was revealed that Courtney Cox would be returning (here), Campbell was still keen to come back, saying: “It’s down to the strength of the story. I wouldn’t want to do it unless the script is good. It would be hard. But these guys did really well on this one, so I’m curious to see what would come next. So we’ll see.”

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However, it seems that a lot has changed since then, as the star now says: “Sadly I won’t be making the next Scream film.

“As a woman I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to Scream [and] I felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise.”

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She goes on: “It’s been a very difficult decision to move on. To all my Scream fans, I love you. You’ve always been so incredibly supportive to me. I’m forever grateful to you and to what this franchise has given me over the past 25 years.”

Honestly, this is a big shock as I always imagined Sydney would always be a part of this series – after all, she’s why it exists at all – and, if she left, she’d have a proper sign-off, be it being killed or very conclusively going. I just pray they leave the door open for her, rather than just saying she died off-screen or some nonsense, although I trust the talent that brought us the fifth movie to treat her better than that, even off-screen.

Let me know your thoughts, gang.

Scream 6 hits cinemas on March 31st, 2023.