Nearly three decades later, one of the most polarizing moments in the Scream franchise has finally received an apology from the actor at its center—and it’s sparking a conversation fans never saw coming. But here’s where it gets controversial: Jerry O’Connell, who played Derek Feldman in Scream 2, has taken full responsibility for the infamous cafeteria sing-along scene, admitting, “I take full responsibility. I was very nervous, and people probably feel that come through.” Could this be the reason why Scream 2, despite being the highest-rated installment by critics on Rotten Tomatoes, has one of the lowest audience scores in the franchise? And this is the part most people miss: it’s not even the most criticized scene in the film.
Published on February 19, 2026, this revelation comes just days before the highly anticipated Scream 7 hits theaters on February 27. Brennan Klein, a senior news writer at Screen Rant and host of the Attack of the Queerwolf podcast, dives into the debate surrounding Scream 2, the 1997 sequel that reintroduced Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott to a new generation of horror fans. Set in college, the film follows Sidney as she navigates a fresh wave of terror unleashed by a copycat Ghostface killer—and her relationship with Derek, whose cringe-worthy serenade to “I Think I Love You” has become a lightning rod for fan criticism.
On X (formerly Twitter), podcaster Zack Cherry ignited the conversation by defending Scream 2 against its detractors, asking, “I’ve yet to see one justifiable reason as to why *Scream 2 is a bad movie/sequel. Most who claim this won’t even articulate why they don’t like it. I mean, you’re allowed to have your opinion, but please just help me understand your point of view. I’m listening.”* O’Connell’s response was both candid and self-deprecating, acknowledging his lack of singing lessons and the anxiety that likely seeped into his performance. But is this scene truly the franchise’s Achilles’ heel, or is it just an easy target for fans looking to vent?
Here’s the twist: While the sing-along scene is divisive, most negative reviews of Scream 2 actually focus on two other moments: the killer’s reveal and the shocking death of fan-favorite character Randy Meeks (Jamie Kennedy). So, why does the cafeteria scene bear the brunt of the backlash? Is it a case of misplaced frustration, or does it genuinely undermine the film’s impact? Let’s not forget, Scream 2 is the second highest-grossing film in the franchise and a certified horror classic, proving its enduring appeal despite its flaws.
Yet, the disparity between critical acclaim and audience reception remains baffling. On Rotten Tomatoes, Scream 2 boasts an impressive 83% critic score but a mere 59% audience rating—the third-lowest in the franchise. Compare that to its 7.3/10 Metacritic score, 3.3/5 Letterboxd rating, and 8.8/10 on ScreenRant’s user platform, and it’s clear that the film’s legacy is far from settled. But here’s the question we can’t stop asking: Does Scream 2 deserve its reputation as the black sheep of the franchise, or are we overlooking its contributions to horror history?
Directed by the late, great Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, Scream 2 expanded the franchise’s meta-horror playbook, introducing themes of legacy and imitation that still resonate today. So, as we gear up for Scream 7, let’s revisit this divisive sequel with fresh eyes. Is the cafeteria scene a harmless misstep, or a symptom of deeper issues? And more importantly, does it matter? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
