Patrick Dempsey Says There Are Talks About Him Returning to the “Scream” Franchise: 'You Never Know' (Exclusive)

The actor last appeared as character Mark Kincaid — who is married to Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott — in 2000's 'Scream 3'

<p>Greg Doherty/Getty ; Dimension Films/Kobal/Shutterstock</p> Patrick Dempsey, Patrick Dempsey in

Greg Doherty/Getty ; Dimension Films/Kobal/Shutterstock

Patrick Dempsey, Patrick Dempsey in 'Scream 3.'

Patrick Dempsey is hinting at a return to the Scream film franchise.

The actor, 58, tells PEOPLE in an exclusive interview that there are talks about him reprising his Scream 3 character Detective Mark Kincaid in the upcoming Scream 7.

"Well, they've been talking to me about it, and I think they're still working on the script," Dempsey says. "And, of course, Neve [Campbell] has signed on, so I think we'll see."

"I'm waiting to read the script and to see if it actually goes," continues the Grey's Anatomy alum — who has recently partnered with Pfizer and the American Cancer Society for their Change the Odds initiative.

"In this business, you never know what's going to happen. But if the opportunity opens itself up and it becomes a reality, then I’ll definitely take it seriously," he adds.

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<p>Dimension Films/Kobal/Shutterstock</p> Patrick Dempsey in 'Scream 3.'

Dimension Films/Kobal/Shutterstock

Patrick Dempsey in 'Scream 3.'

Related: Scream 7: All About the Latest Installment of the Hit Horror Franchise

Dempsey starred as the Los Angeles Police Department detective in 2003's Scream 3, opposite Campbell's Sidney Prescott, Courteney Cox's Gale Weathers and David Arquette's Dewey Riley.

In the film, Dempsey's Kincaid helps investigate the Stab 3 murders as he develops a romantic interest in Sidney.

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He was later alluded to as Sidney's husband when mentioned by Dewey in the fifth film, 2022's Scream. This was later confirmed by the movie's directors, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.

Dempsey's character is also mentioned as being in hiding by Gale in Scream VI (2023).

<p>Chris Riess</p> Patrick Dempsey

Chris Riess

Patrick Dempsey

Related: Where to Watch Scream: A Guide to Streaming the Iconic Franchise — and When We'll See Ghostface Again

Scream 7 was announced in August 2023, with Christopher Landon — whose previous films include Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones (2014), Freaky (2020) and Happy Death Day (2017) —slated to direct. However, months later in December, the filmmaker shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that he is no longer involved in the project.

In March 2024, Campbell announced she would be reprising her role for the new movie. She first played the character in the original 1996 film Scream and returned for each of the sequels, except in the 2023 sixth entry.

When Campbell announced her return, she also confirmed that Kevin Williamson, who wrote the original, will direct the new film.

Campbell and Williamson then announced earlier this month when Scream 7 will hit theaters. "It’s gonna be a killer 2026. #Scream7," the pair captioned a joint Instagram post.

Scream 7 will hit theaters on Feb. 27, 2026.

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