If there’s one thing about Neve Campbell, it’s consistency — and charm. In her interview with Total Film, about Scream 5, she touched on all her trademark Scream topics: the emotional letter from the new directors, the “summer camp” reunion vibes, and yes — if she’d mentioned The Changeling, we’d have hit full BINGO.

Jokes aside, this time Neve focused on how she prepared physically and emotionally to return as Sidney Prescott. And as always, every word radiates her trademark grace.

Returning to Woodsboro

“It’s such a rarity for that kind of thing to happen. They’re such fun movies, I was so lucky to be a part of them,” Neve told Total Film.
“For us, it’s like going back to summer camp when we see each other. I was apprehensive about doing it because Wes (Craven) had passed. But these directors wrote me [a] beautiful letter expressing their passion about Scream and saying that the reason they are directors is because of Wes and because of these movies, and they really wanted to honor him and his legacy. And that really meant a great deal for me.”

That heartfelt letter from Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett — the same one she’s referenced in multiple interviews — became the emotional bridge that brought her back to Woodsboro.

Training for Sidney Prescott

“Walking around the house screaming a lot. My kids were like, ‘Mom, are you okay?’” [laughs]
“No, just training, making sure I’m in shape especially because I had spine surgery. I wanted to make sure I was fighting strong for the film. So it was really working out, going through the script, speaking to the directors, making sure that everything’s what needed to be.”

It’s the kind of dedication only Sidney Prescott — and Neve Campbell — could pull off: quiet strength, readiness, and heart.

Remembering what made Scream click

“I think the script was brilliant. And it was a new take on the genre, it took a look at itself. Kevin Williamson did a brilliant job. Wes was a master at making these films, and was brave with his casting. None of us were really anybody, other than Drew Barrymore and Courteney (Cox), who had just done the first year of Friends.”
“Matt (Lillard) and Jamie (Kennedy) and David (Arquette), their energy that they bring to the first film is brilliant — a lot of fun, a lot of improv as well. And it’s all timing, isn’t it? Maybe people needed that kind of movie that weekend, and it just popped!”

The way Neve reminisces about that perfect storm of chemistry, timing, and Craven’s genius is precisely why she’s the cornerstone of this franchise.

A queen beyond Woodsboro

Around the same time, Neve was announced to star in Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer — proving once again that her talent travels far beyond the halls of Woodsboro High.