The Scream fandom was caught off guard today when Deadline confirmed that the long-speculated husband of Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has finally been cast for Scream 7. The twist? The character isn’t Detective Mark Kincaid (Patrick Dempsey), but a homonym new figure, Mark Evans, played by actor Joel McHale.
This announcement challenges fan expectations, as Mark—originally envisioned and explicitly referenced as Sidney’s husband in Scream (2022) and Scream VI—was confirmed by the creators to be Detective Kincaid. Patrick Dempsey even hinted in interviews that he was awaiting a script to reprise the role, but those plans never materialized. Instead, Joel McHale steps in to bring a fresh perspective to Sidney’s story, portraying her husband Mark Evans and the father of their daughter, played by Isabel May.
Known for his sharp wit as Jeff Winger in Community, Joel McHale has begun carving out a niche in darker genres. Horror fans may recall his 2023 holiday slasher It’s a Wonderful Knife, which showcased a chilling side to the actor better known for his comedic roles. His versatility makes him a curious but exciting choice for Scream 7, currently filming in Atlanta, Georgia.
In addition to joining Scream 7, McHale is set to appear in the third season of Yellowjackets, alongside Scream alumni Jasmin Savoy Brown.
Initial drafts of Scream (2022) and Scream VI toyed with bringing Kincaid back as Sidney’s husband, but the franchise has now opted for a completely new take. While some fans may mourn Dempsey’s absence, McHale’s casting offers an unexpected twist, a hallmark of the series since its inception.
Filming for Scream 7 began on January 7, 2025, and is scheduled to wrap by March 12, 2025. The movie is being helmed by Kevin Williamson, who returns to the director’s chair after years of shaping the franchise behind the scenes. As the franchise pivots into new territory, fans can expect another chilling chapter filled with surprises, bloodshed, and, of course, Ghostface.
Scream 7 will slash its way into theaters on February 27, 2026.
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