'Scream 7' Hits $97 Million Globally, 'Wuthering Heights' Nears $200 Million

Variety

by Rebecca Rubin

March 1, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

'Scream 7' achieved an impressive $97.2 million in global ticket sales during its first weekend, marking a record-breaking start for the franchise. This success was driven by nostalgia for the original cast's return, including Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, as well as strong marketing campaigns and premium screen formats like Imax contributing 40% of total earnings. The film’s domestic take of $64.1 million and international haul of $33.1 million further solidified its position as a box office leader. The movie's record-breaking performance also reflects the enduring appeal of the 'Scream' franchise, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Directed by Kevin Williamson, 'Scream 7' introduced a new Ghostface killer while revisiting fan-favorite characters. The film’s international success was notable, with the U.K. leading at $5.3 million, followed by France and Mexico. This strong showing outpaced its predecessor, 'Scream VI,' which earned $22.6 million in its opening weekend. Paramount's victory with 'Scream 7' comes after a challenging period for the studio, making it their top-grossing release since March 2023. The film’s success also highlights the importance of nostalgia and legacy casting in modern box office strategy. Additionally, the franchise's record-breaking start underscores the continued relevance of horror films, which have consistently drawn audiences to theaters. Meanwhile, 'Wuthering Heights' continues to climb toward the $200 million mark globally, while Sony Pictures Animation’s 'GOAT' reached $130.5 million worldwide. These figures demonstrate the robust box office performance across diverse genres and markets, offering hope for the industry after a tough few years. The success of these films not only boosts studio confidence but also signals a rebound in theater attendance, particularly for well-marketed, crowd-pleasing releases.

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Originally published on Variety on 3/1/2026