Alison Brie, known for her role as Rebecca Walters in Scream 4, recently weighed in on the latest installments of the Scream franchise—and it’s safe to say she’s not impressed. On the Shut Up Evan podcast, Brie didn’t hold back: “Can I tell you my problem with the current era of the Scream franchise? Too many people live,” she remarked, calling out Ghostface for a lackluster kill record in recent films.GamesRadar+
A Horror Icon Losing Its Edge?
In Scream’s earliest entries, death came swiftly and shockingly; anyone—no matter how beloved—could die. The original formula thrived on subverting expectations, allowing characters like Randy (Scream 2) and Cotton (Scream 3) to fall victim, heightening the series’ tension and unpredictability.Cinemablend
In contrast, the newer films have leaned into preservation over peril—particularly when it comes to the “Core Four” of the Scream reboot: Sam, Tara, Chad, and Mindy. All four survived both Scream (2022) and Scream VI, prompting Brie’s critique that stakes are diminishing.CinemablendGamesRadar+
The Core Four…Too Core?
Brie suggested the franchise should scale back: “The core four needs to die. We should be down to two of the core four by Scream 7.”GamesRadar+ Her husband, Dave Franco, noted that Dewey (David Arquette) had already been killed, to which Brie responded earnestly, “And that was very sad. That was a mistake… Keep the main three!”GamesRadar+
By preserving too many characters, Brie argues, Scream risks losing its core narrative tension. She champions retaining only the original trio—Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox), and Dewey Riley (David Arquette)—to preserve the franchise’s emotional and visceral depth.CinemablendGamesRadar+
Resurrections, Returns, and Narrative Tensions
The Scream series has a storied history of resurrecting characters—even those who were definitively killed. Matthew Lillard’s Stu Macher and Scott Foley’s Roman Bridger are among those confirmed to return in Scream 7, despite their deaths in earlier films.WikipediaEW.com
Meanwhile, Colleagues like Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera will not return for Scream 7, which might partially address Brie’s concerns regarding the Core Four’s survivability.CinemablendEW.com
With Scream 7 scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, fans are watching closely to see whether the franchise will heed Brie’s call—or continue down the path of character preservation at the expense of suspense.WikipediaEW.com
Brie’s Pitch: Bringing Real Stakes Back
Brie’s dual call—to thin out the rebooted survivors while preserving the central legacy trio—marks a notable stance from a franchise alum. In a genre where unpredictability is a currency, keeping too many core characters alive may erode the tension that once defined Scream.CinemablendGamesRadar+
Her remarks have sparked conversation about the tonal direction of the Scream franchise, with many fans echoing her desire for renewed peril and stakes.
Looking Ahead to Scream 7
As a reunion of Scream classic stars unfolds—including Campbell, Cox, Arquette, Lillard, and Foley—the narrative dynamics promise to shift. The addition of new characters adds fresh tension. If Scream 7 streamlines its cast as Brie suggests, it could offer the suspenseful revival fans have been craving.WikipediaEW.com
Final Thoughts: Horror’s Heartbeat Needs Suspense
Alison Brie’s critique strikes at the core of what made Scream work: genuine unpredictability. Keeping too many characters safe may soothe viewers, but it also dulls the horror. As Scream 7 approaches, the franchise has an opportunity to recalibrate—to honor its legacy while reinvigorating the terror.
Will this be the return of Ghostface’s bite? We’ll find out in 2026.