2022’s Scream did not see the return of Mark Kincaid — so what happened to Patrick Dempsey's Scream 3 character? Like Matthew Lillard's Stu Macher, Scream did not bring back Mark, despite the character still being alive. It’s not unusual for horror franchises, and particularly slasher series, to have memorable supporting stars whose turns are cut short by their quick demise: The Scream series is filled with characters, ranging from Patrick Warburton’s taciturn Scream 3 security guard to Alison Brie’s callous Scream 4 publicist, who could have been fun permanent additions to the franchise’s lineup — if it weren’t for their swift deaths. But what about the characters who survived?
Before the movie's release, there was much speculation that 2022's Scream would bring back one of the original killers Stu Macher, played by Matthew Lillard. While Scream 5 was full of Easter eggs and references to the franchise's history, this cameo did not pan out, and the horror movie instead focused on relatives of the legacy characters. Patrick Dempsey’s Mark Kincaid was another notable absence though; he first appeared in Scream 3 and managed to survive the slasher sequel, but didn't return for Scream 4.
How Old Sidney, Gale & Dewey Are In Scream 2022
In Scream 3, Sidney (Neve Campbell) ends the movie on seemingly friendly terms with LA homicide detective Mark Kincaid. For much of the sequel’s runtime, Mark is positioned as a suspect, but when his name is cleared, he is next seen visiting Sidney’s home along with Dewey and Gale during the trilogy’s sentimental ending. With so many Scream franchise characters returning for the reboot, like Gale (Courteney Cox) and David Arquette's Dewey, the question of what happened to Kincaid has never been more relevant. So, what became of the heroic detective between Scream 3’s optimistic ending and Scream 4, wherein he is never mentioned or alluded to even in passing? In 2022's Scream, it sounds like Sidney married Mark. Early on in the film, Dewey calls Sidney, jogging with a stroller, to tell her Ghostface is back. During their catch-up, Sidney mentions her children and husband Mark. In a recent Screen Rant interview, Campbell even said she didn't make the connection until someone brought it up to her.
Mark is a common name and could be anyone, but only one Mark exists in the Scream universe. It's refreshing to hear he is alive and well and that Sidney is now enjoying a peaceful and happy life with him. After all of the survivor's guilt and trauma that Sidney has endured, she was able to move forward with her life, becoming a wife and mother. While the movies have a heightened, comedic tone, the Scream franchise has always endeavored to depict the psychological toll of surviving traumatic events in a comparatively grounded fashion. Where more surreal and supernatural slashers often avoid bringing back the same characters in new sequels, each Scream movie uses Sidney’s return as a chance to further illustrate the effects of the preceding sequel's events on her internal life.
The Scream franchise put Sidney through the emotional wringer, with her first boyfriend being her mother’s murderer, her second love interest being killed in front of her, and her long-lost half-brother attempting to kill her (and eventually being killed by her). It makes sense if she didn't end up pursuing anything with Mark or another. Though 2022's Scream ushers in a new generation of characters to contend with Ghostface, it shows its primary legacy character actively healing from her past. The nod to Scream 3's Mark Kincaid is a testament to this — and leaves open the possibility of his return in Scream 6.