Scream 7: Patrick Dempsey provides update on controversial sequel

Patrick Dempsey is a deceptively vital part of the Scream franchise. He was introduced as Mark Kincaid in Scream 3, and despite seeming like a potential Ghostface suspect, he proved to be the person Sydney Prescott (Neve Campbell) was waiting on.

The two struck a romance that led to marriage, which is still going strong in the world of the Scream films. Dempsey hasn't had a leading role in the franchise 2000, but his character been referenced in several of the recent installments. And now, it seems, he may be returning for Scream 7.

Patrick Dempsey confirmed he's in talks to return

The actor recently went on Today to discuss his career, and he admitted that the door is very much open for his return in the upcoming film. "I'm waiting on the script," he announced to much fanfare. He didn't provide much in terms of details, and maintained that things are still very early in the process:

"There has been a conversation about it. I haven’t seen anything yet. So, we’ll see what happens."

It was only a matter of time before the franchise brought Mark Kincaid back. So many of the original characters have been killed off, and there are only so many people left that can be brought back for maximum nostalgia.

Scream 7 has already had a troubled pre-production

Scream 7, of course, will also have to contend with the controversial departure of actress Melissa Barrera. The actress took over the mantle of franchise protagonist from Campbell, but her comments regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict led to her being fired from Scream 7. Some fans were outraged and have voiced disinterest in whatever direction the franchise goes next.

It doesn't help that Jenna Ortega, who plays Barrera's sister, has also departed the franchise. She has become a star thanks to the massive success of the Tim Burton projects Wednesday and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and formally backed out of Scream 7 due to scheduling conflicts.

The decision to bring Campbell and Dempsey back is a bold one on the part of a franchise that has spent the last two films shifting the focus on younger characters. It'll be interesting to see how it all comes together.