‘Scream 7’ Newcomer, 53, Unpacks Franchise Debut in Upcoming Horror Film: “That’s What You Dream Of” [Exclusive]

Scream 7 will slash into theaters everywhere early next year on February 27, and one of the film’s stars has pulled back the curtain on working on such an iconic horror tentpole. The Scream franchise has undergone a bit of a makeover with a cast full of newcomers, one of whom is Joel McHale, who will play Sydney Prescott’s (Neve Campbell) husband, Mark. McHale also recently starred in the horror film It’s a Wonderful Knife.

Collider’s Tania Hussaincaught up with McHale recently for a lengthy profile interview, and she asked him what the most surprising thing about working in the horror genre is, be it the “energy” or even the “restraint” it requires. McHale first opened up about his experience on It’s a Wonderful Knife, saying, “That was one of those journeys where you’re like, ‘Imagine not having a child.’ It’s heavy. Really fun to make, but at the same time, it is heavy. I love the director [Tyler MacIntyre] and writer [Michael Kennedy]. That was one of those tiny little movies that you’re like, ‘I hope it works.’ And it did, thank God.”

McHale then went on to speak about his time on Scream 7, speaking about how “seriously” he takes it working with such a star-studded roster of talent:

“Then with Scream, you get Kevin Williamson, who’s a fucking legend and genius. Neve [Campbell] , she’s anOscar-caliber actor and star. You take it seriously. Not that you wouldn’t, but you’re doing these heavy drama scenes, and you know Kevin’s building it in his brain. I try to serve the character that he wrote in those situations and receive direction, hopefully, and listen to it. Working with Kevin, I couldn’t believe it.”

McHale also dished on his experience working with Scott Derrickson (Doctor Strange) on Deliver Us from Evil. McHale likened him to Kevin Williamson, calling the horror director “a friggin genius,” and he continued, speaking about how scenes that might not necessarily be scary while filming can come together entirely differently on the big screen, “At the time when you’re making it, you’re like, ‘Oh, this is not necessarily scary to this character, what the scene is.’ but, then you watch it, and you’re like, ‘Oh, you’re putting this thing together, and it’s wonderfully terrifying.”

Working on ‘Scream 7’ Is a “Dream” for Joel McHale

Hussain also asked McHale what it was like growing up in the ‘90s and being such an avid fan of slasher movies, to then have the chance to walk onto a set for a franchise like Scream, which has inspired generations of horror films, “I couldn’t believe it. I couldn’t believe I was there. The offer came in, and they were like, ‘Alright, you’re gonna be there in a week.’ I couldn’t believe it. There was everyone.”

McHale watched Scream films while he was a student at the University of Washington, and was also a member of the football team. He wrapped things up by explaining his history with the franchise, what drew him to it, and how starring in a Scream movie has been a lifelong dream of his:

“Scream was so fun and terrifying. There were jokes, but at the same time, there was a killer. It was flipping a lot of switches at once. So, yeah. It’s the same thing when you’re a kid; you’re like, ‘I wish I could be in an Indiana Jones movie.’ That’s what you dream of.”

Scream 7 slices into theaters everywhere on February 27, 2026. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the film.