9 Actors We Want To See For Scream 7's Opening Kill After The Director Replacement

With the news that Scream 7 will be directed by Christopher Landon, the potential actors for the franchise’s next trademark opening kill scene drastically changes. While each Scream sequel adjusts to satirize different filmmaking trends, industry, changes, and timely commentary on Hollywood and fame, a few signature elements of the franchise have always remained. In addition to Ghostface being the killer, one of the most iconic elements of all six Scream movies thus far is the opening kill scene, which typically involves Ghostface slaughtering a big-name actor before the film’s plot kicks into gear. Though Cotton Weary’s demise and Tara’s survival broke the mold, Scream 7 is bound to repeat the classic formula revived in Scream 6.

While Scream 7’s cast, story, and release date are still under wraps, Paramount has officially announced that Christopher Landon will be stepping in as the upcoming sequel’s director, replacing Scream (2022) and Scream 6’s directing team Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin. Considering Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin recruited their Ready or Not collaborator Samara Weaving for Scream 6’s opening kill, it’s likely that horror-comedy filmmaker Landon will follow suit. As such, there are numerous actors from Christopher Landon’s previous directorial pursuits who would be great contenders to join the cast of Scream 7 for the classic opening kill sequence.

Related: Scream 7 Will Bring Back A Classic Wes Craven Element Forgotten By The First Two Reboot Sequels

9 Kathryn Newton

The most likely actor from Christopher Landon’s past films to be cast in Scream 7’s opening kill is Kathryn Newton, who has an impressive list of hit dramas, horror movies, and comedies in her filmography. Newton has previously collaborated with Landon twice, playing the main role of Millie in his 2020 slasher comedy Freaky as well as Alex in Paranormal Activity 4, for which Landon wrote the screenplay. Furthering the notion that she could be the surprise opening kill in Scream 7, Newton is already scheduled to appear in two upcoming horror movies, Lisa Frankenstein and an untitled Universal Monsters film, the latter of which also stars Scream’s Melissa Barrera and is directed by Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin.

8 Jessica Rothe

Another leading lady from one of Landon’s hit horror-comedy films is Jessica Rothe, who starred as Tree Gelbman in Happy Death Day and its sequel Happy Death Day 2U. Similar to how Scream 6’s opening kill subverted Samara Weaving’s Final Girl status after Ready or Not, casting Jessica Rothe as the first victim in Scream 7’s opening kill sequence would reverse her character’s survival in the Happy Death Day movies. Since Rothe hasn’t starred in any horror movies since her collaborations with Landon, recruiting her for Scream 7 would be a memorable way to continue her Scream Queen legacy.

7 Jennifer Coolidge

Casting Jennifer Coolidge for this trademark sequence in Scream 7 would have the potential to become the most iconic opening kill scene after Drew Barrymore in Scream (1996). Coolidge collaborated with Christopher Landon on his 2023 Netflix movie We Have a Ghost, in which the actress portrayed the medium Judy Romano. Coolidge is notable for her committed, campy acting style, which is perfectly fitting for the over-the-top nature of the Scream franchise’s opening kills. Considering Coolidge went viral for a scene in The White Lotus season 2 in which she ran away from killers while turning the gun back at them, having the actress battle Ghostface in Scream 7’s opening seems like too great of a chance to pass up.

6 Vince Vaughn

Although the majority of Scream’s opening kills see Ghostface attack young women, there have been a few notable exceptions to this rule. Scream 2 saw Omar Epps die alongside Jada Pinkett-Smith, Scream 3’s opening death was Liev Schreiber, and Scream 6’s unexpected second kill was Tony Revolori. Scream 7 could up the ante by having Ghostface contend with Vince Vaughn, who starred opposite Kathryn Newton as aging serial killer Blissfield Butcher in Freaky. If Scream 7‘s risky new director was to kick off the movie with Vaughn being the one slain, Ghostface would be making a significant impact with their strength in the opening scene.

5 Rosamund Pike

Though better known for her devious roles in psychological thrillers like Gone Girl or action films like Die Another Day and Jack Reacher, Rosamund Pike has a background in smaller horror movies that could contribute to a stellar opening kill sequence in Scream 7. Pike appeared in Christopher Landon’s directorial debut Burning Palms in 2010, with her segment in the film being particularly horrifying. After starring as the dangerous and calculated Amy Dunne in David Fincher’s Gone Girl, Rosamund Pike reuniting with Landon to be Scream 7’s opening kill would also subvert expectations for her most famous character.

4 Niles Fitch

After Niles Fitch starred in Landon’s movie We Have a Ghost as Fulton Presley, the actor could collaborate with the director again for Scream 7’s opening kill sequence. Better known for his role as teenage Randall in This Is Us, Niles Fitch also costarred with Scream’s Tara actress Jenna Ortega in The Fallout, giving him further familiarity with the horror franchise’s cast and crew. Fitch could appear as a classmate or friend of Scream’s Core Four in New York City, with the potential character’s death being what sets off their next battle with Ghostface.

3 Tye Sheridan

Christopher Landon’s 2015 zombie comedy movie Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse stars Tye Sheridan as Ben Goudy, a Scout group member turned zombie killer. If Sheridan were to appear in Scream 7 as the opening kill victim, he would be facing the wrath of a sadistic Ghostface killer rather than a hoard of zombies, but still wouldn’t make it out alive. Sheridan is also well known for his roles in the X-Men movie series and Ready Player One, making him a blockbuster actor fitting for the traditional notable death in Scream’s upcoming sequel.

2 Lukas Gage

Tye Sheridan’s Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse costar Lukas Gage would also be a worthy contender for Scream 7’s opening kill. Though Gage hasn’t collaborated with Scream 7 director Christopher Landon since the 2015 zombie movie, the actor has appeared in numerous hit TV shows that would make him a familiar face for the new generation of Scream audience members. Gage has been in series like Euphoria, The White Lotus, and You, the latter of which also starred Jenna Ortega in a prior season. Consequently, he’d be an apt choice for Ghostface’s first notable actor victim in Scream 7.

1 Jamie Chung

Real World alum Jamie Chung transitioned into a successful Hollywood acting career with plenty of dramas, horror projects, and action roles in her filmography. Chung appeared in Christopher Landon’s movie Burning Palms as Ginny Bai, with this role being followed by parts in horror shows like Lovecraft Country and Dexter: New Blood. If Chung and Landon collaborate again, the opening kill sequence in Scream 7 would be a memorable way to bring them back together.