Patrick Dempsey Confirms He Will Not Return for 'Scream 7'

The actor cited scheduling conflicts and recent wildfires as reasons for his absence in the upcoming horror sequel.

Patrick Dempsey, known for his role as Detective Mark Kincaid in 'Scream 3,' has confirmed he will not appear in 'Scream 7' due to scheduling conflicts and the impact of recent wildfires in Los Angeles.
Joel McHale has been cast as Sidney Prescott's husband, a character also named Mark, replacing assumptions that Dempsey's character would return in this role.
'Scream 7' will feature the return of franchise veterans Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and Matthew Lillard, with Kevin Williamson, the original screenwriter, making his directorial debut.
New cast members for the movie include Joel McHale, Isabel May, Mckenna Grace, Mark Consuelos, and Anna Camp, alongside returning actors Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown.
The film is set for release on February 27, 2026, with production currently underway under Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media.