has reacted to ’s announcement that she won’t be returning for Scream 6 as Sidney Prescott .
The 50-year-old actor, who starred as the beating heart of Woodsboro’s Sheriff’s Department for the past five Scream films, called her decision ‘unfortunate’.
He also said that he ‘understood’ her choice, and both sides of the situation, as he reflected on the business aspect.
‘I’d love for her to be a part of it,’ Affleck said. ‘A Scream movie without Sidney is kind of unfortunate, but I understand her decision.
‘It’s all a business in a way, they have to balance all these elements to fit a budget and produce a film.’
The Eight Legged Freaks star also seemed keen not to interpret Campbell’s exit from the franchise as permanent.
He added to : ‘She [can] absolutely be in future ones, but I think it’s up to fans to call for that in the future.’
Describing the situation as ‘sudden’ (he was interviewed shortly after she issued her statement on Monday), Arquette also emphasised that he ‘respect[ed] her decision, for sure’.
Speaking to Deadline, Campbell, who has starred in all five Scream films since 1996, shared: ‘Sadly I won’t be making the next Scream film. As a woman I have had to work extremely hard in my career to establish my value, especially when it comes to Scream.’
‘I felt the offer that was presented to me did not equate to the value I have brought to the franchise,’ she stated.
The Canadian actress 48, who currently , also described her choice as ‘very difficult’ as she expressed her love to the ‘incredibly supportive’ Scream fandom.
‘I’m forever grateful to you and to what this franchise has given me over the past 25 years,’ she added.
The Scream franchise has grossed over $744million (£595m) globally, with the latest instalment of the slasher films grossing $140m (£112m) at the box office, on a budget of $24million (£19m).
, Neve starred alongside (who plays Gale Weathers, ) and Arquette (Dewey Riley), with the trio delighting fans by reprising their roles, 11 years on from Scream 4.
For Scream 6, as Kirby Reed – last seen in Scream 4 – and joined by newcomers Jenna Ortega, Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding.
The 2023 film will see the four survivors of the Ghostface killings leave Woodsboro behind to try to make a fresh start.
Scream 6 opens in cinemas on March 31, 2023.
