David Arquette Admits He’s to Blame for This Unpopular Part of the 'Scream' Franchise: 'I'm Sorry'
David Arquette Admits He’s to Blame for This Unpopular Part of the 'Scream' Franchise: 'I'm Sorry'
Nicole MooreFri, February 27, 2026 at 4:04 AM UTC
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(Photo by Michael Kovac/WireImage/Getty Images)
Actor David Arquette says he's at fault for his ex-wife Courteney Cox's short and choppy bangs in the 2000 slasher, Scream 3.
During a February 2026 interview with Extra TV at the premiere of Scream 7, Arquette said he "take[s] full responsibility" for Cox's character, reporter Gale Weathers' haircut in the third Scream film.
"I'm sorry for the Scream 3 bangs," said Arquette, who began starring in the Scream franchise as his character, Dewey Riley, during the franchise's first movie, which premiered in 1996.
He clarified that he had envisioned Gale's Scream 3 bangs as more blunt, similar to what pinup model Bettie Page had.
"I suggested Bettie Page. Very blunt bangs like Bettie Page because she's got dark hair, too. Little pinup thing for Gale Weathers. Didn't work out that way," said Arquette in the Extra TV interview.
In a separate interview with Extra TVon the Scream 7 red carpet, Cox said she wasn't sure if Gale's Scream 3 look "was [Arquette's] idea."
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"And if it is, he should never say that because it's a terrible idea," quipped the Friends star, who finalized her divorce from Arquette in 2013.
Cox also told Extra TV that Gale changes up her hairstyles in each Scream movie.
"So I went with bangs that time and it was a big mistake. But at least it's a conversation piece for the rest of time," said Cox to Extra TV.
Cox has appeared as Gale in all seven of the Scream films. In a February 2026 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Cox shared what the Scream franchise means to her. According to Cox, Scream "has given [her] so many gifts," like "fun and friendships." She also quipped that Gale's haircut from Scream 3 has been a gift.
In addition, Cox let the publication know that one of her favorite moments in the franchise is when Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) hits her in the first film.
"I really loved in Scream 1 when I said 'I'll send you a copy' and then Nev clocks me in the face. I liked that. That was fun," said Cox, who shares her 21-year-old daughter Coco Arquette with her ex-husband.
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
