Mon Mar 10 06:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Scream 7: Patrick Dempsey’s Absence Leaves Fans Devastated

**LOS ANGELES –** The highly anticipated *Scream 7* is generating buzz, but not all of it is positive. While the film is bringing back several legacy characters from the franchise, the absence of Patrick Dempsey, who was reportedly in talks to reprise his role as Mark Kincaid, has left fans heartbroken.

The news comes as Joel McHale has been cast as Sidney Prescott’s husband – also named Mark – effectively ending a long-standing fan theory about Kincaid and Sidney’s relationship. While McHale is a talented actor, many feel the decision to introduce a new character with the same name, especially given Dempsey’s prior involvement and the character’s continued survival in the franchise’s continuity, is a missed opportunity.

“It feels purposeful that Mark was name-dropped as Sidney’s husband in the 2022 Scream, especially since Patrick Dempsey’s character was still alive in-universe,” one fan lamented.

Despite Dempsey’s recent return to the horror genre with roles in *Thanksgiving* and *Dexter: Original Sin*, *Scream 7* will instead focus on bringing back other deceased characters, including reported appearances by Matthew Lillard, Scott Foley, and David Arquette. While the filmmakers’ intentions remain unclear, the decision to exclude Dempsey is leaving a significant mark on fan anticipation.

*Scream 7* currently lacks a release date, with a 2026 release expected. In the meantime, fans can revisit the previous two installments streaming on Paramount+.

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