Summary
- Cameos often meet an early demise in the Scream franchise.
- Killing off Sidney's husband could deepen her pain.
- McHale's role adds intrigue and aligns with franchise themes, unless he's not actually a cameo actor.
The Scream franchise has built its reputation on subverting expectations and delivering shocking moments, and the upcoming Scream 7 promises to be no different. One of the most intriguing fan theories circulating ahead of the film’s release centers on Sidney Prescott’s husband, who fans will finally see in any real way for the first time in the long franchise.
There is more than a few fan theories out there that the introduction of Sidney’s husband is not because he’s going to play a large part in the seventh installment of the beloved movie franchise. Instead, they speculate that the character, played by Joel McHale, could be the first victim in the new movie, a choice that could not only jolt audiences immediately but also set the tone for another emotionally intense journey for Sidney. There’s a reason this theory has gained traction as fast as it has.
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Cameo Usually Means Death In Scream Series
The Scream franchise has a well-established tradition of featuring high-profile cameos, only to kill off those characters in the opening sequence. Drew Barrymore’s unforgettable demise in the original Scream is perhaps the most iconic example. Barrymore’s star power was used to market the film, only for her character, Casey Becker, to be brutally murdered in the first few minutes. This trend continued throughout the series, with actors like Jada Pinkett Smith, Omar Epps, and Kristen Bell meeting their ends early on.
Enter Joel McHale. Known for his comedic chops in Community and The Soup, McHale’s casting as Sidney’s husband raised eyebrows among fans. While his presence in a Scream movie is intriguing, it’s his connection to Sidney that makes him stand out as a potential target. Unlike Patrick Dempsey’s Detective Mark Kincaid, who had a well-established relationship with Sidney by the end of Scream 3, McHale’s character feels more like a blank slate—and, therefore, more expendable.
Unlike Patrick Dempsey’s Detective Mark Kincaid, who had a well-established relationship with Sidney by the end of Scream 3, McHale’s character feels more like a blank slate—and, therefore, more expendable.
The fan theory posits that McHale’s character could follow in the footsteps of past Scream cameos, serving as the first victim of Ghostface in Scream 7. Killing off Sidney’s husband would deliver a gut-punch right out of the gate, immediately raising the stakes and signaling to audiences that no one is safe. It would also continue the series’ tradition of using its opening kill to set the emotional tone and thematic underpinnings of the story.
Scream 7 Will Offer More Pain For Sidney
Sidney Prescott has endured more pain and loss than arguably any other horror protagonist. From the murder of her mother to the loss of friends and loved ones in nearly every installment, Sidney’s journey has been defined by resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. If Joel McHale’s character is indeed the first victim, it would be yet another devastating blow for Sidney, forcing her to confront new depths of grief and trauma.
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Screenplay |
Guy Busick |
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Director |
Kevin Williamson |
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Starring |
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While some fans might question whether Sidney’s story needs more heartbreak, the franchise has always thrived on pushing its characters to their limits. By killing off her husband, Scream 7 could explore fresh emotional territory for Sidney, challenging her in ways that previous films haven’t. It would also serve as a compelling narrative device, giving Sidney a deeply personal motivation to return to the action and confront Ghostface once again.
Moreover, the choice of Joel McHale as Sidney’s husband adds an extra layer of intrigue. McHale’s comedic background makes him an unexpected choice for a role so closely tied to Sidney’s personal life. This casting decision has led some fans to speculate that McHale’s character might be little more than a plot device, designed to elicit a strong emotional reaction from both Sidney and the audience. While Patrick Dempsey’s Kincaid was a logical and satisfying partner for Sidney, McHale’s character feels deliberately out of left field, almost as if he’s meant to be a sacrificial lamb.
Thematically, the loss of Sidney’s husband would reinforce one of the central ideas of the Scream series: that no one is ever truly safe. Ghostface’s reign of terror is all-encompassing, sparing neither the innocent nor the guilty. By targeting someone as close to Sidney as her husband, Scream 7 could drive home the point that even after surviving six films, Sidney’s battle with Ghostface is far from over.
While it remains to be seen whether Joel McHale’s character will meet an untimely end in Scream 7, the theory is both plausible and compelling. The Scream franchise has a history of shocking its audience with high-profile cameos and emotionally devastating twists, and killing off Sidney’s husband in the opening sequence would be perfectly in line with that tradition. More importantly, it would set the stage for another emotionally charged journey for Sidney Prescott, reaffirming her status as one of horror’s most enduring and resilient heroines.
As fans eagerly await more details about Scream 7, one thing is certain: the franchise’s ability to surprise and terrify its audience remains as strong as ever. Whether or not this theory proves true, the prospect of another chapter in Sidney’s story is enough to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
- Release Date
- February 27, 2026
- Director
- Kevin Williamson
- Writers
- Guy Busick
- Producers
- William Sherak, Paul Neinstein
Cast
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Neve CampbellSidney Prescott -
Courteney CoxGale Weathers -
Isabel MaySidney's Daughter -
Jasmin Savoy BrownMindy Meeks-Martin
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