Scream 7 earns franchise-record $7.8 million in box office previews

Scream 7 slashes franchise record with $7.8 million in previews, eyeing $40M-$50M opening weekend

Scream 7 is off to a strong start at the box office, earning a franchise-best $7.8 million in Thursday night previews. 

The R-rated horror sequel, released by Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group, has already surpassed the $5.7 million preview total set by Scream VI.

Industry tracking indicates Scream 7 is projected to open between $40 million and $50 million domestically, with some estimates suggesting it could exceed expectations. If it lands at the higher end of projections, the film could set a new franchise record for biggest opening weekend. The current benchmark is held by Scream VI, which debuted to $44 million in 2023.

The latest installment brings Ghostface back to terrorize Woodsboro, continuing the long-running slasher franchise that began in 1996. Strong preview numbers suggest sustained audience interest in the horror series, particularly among younger moviegoers and franchise loyalists.

The film’s performance is especially notable given its reported $45 million production budget, which increased following a year-long delay. By comparison, Scream VI was produced for approximately $35 million. A solid opening weekend could position Scream 7 for profitability early in its theatrical run.

As the horror genre continues to perform reliably at the box office, Scream 7 appears poised to maintain the franchise’s momentum and potentially deliver its most successful debut to date.