'Scream 7' is undergoing a major creative reboot following the departure of two stars, Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. The film's producer, Spyglass, fired Barrera due to social media messages that were deemed antisemitic, while Ortega had scheduling conflicts with her Netflix series 'Wednesday.' This unexpected loss of key cast members has posed a creative challenge for the production.
Melissa Barrera, who played alongside Jenna Ortega and portrayed her sister in the films, was fired by Spyglass, the film's producer. This decision came after Barrera's social media messages were deemed antisemitic, specifically regarding posts related to the Israel-Hamas war.
Jenna Ortega, who gained popularity from the previous 'Scream' film exits Scream 7 after firing of Melissa Barrera over Palestine posts. Additionally, she will not return for the seventh installment due to scheduling conflicts with her Netflix series 'Wednesday.'
The firing of Barrera generated intense backlash, and the film's director, Christopher Landon, expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision. He posted a statement, later deleted, that indicated the decision was not his to make.
James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, the writers of the previous two 'Scream' installments, will work on a fresh draft for the film. While some set pieces and twists may be retained, the movie will need new protagonists.
Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, original stars of the series, are still alive in the 'Scream' universe and could potentially return. Producers are interested in seeing Neve Campbell reclaim her iconic character, Sidney Prescott. Patrick Dempsey, who appeared in 'Scream 3,' is also a possibility.
The initial hope was for 'Scream 7' to hit theaters in 2025. Despite the creative challenges and changes, this release date still appears feasible, as 'Scream' films do not require extensive visual effects and can be produced relatively quickly.