Melissa Barrera was fired from the Scream franchise last November after playing the lead role of Sam Carpenter in the last two films. The producers, Spyglass Media, issued a statement justifying the firing, where they stated that the Vida actress’s social media posts on the Israel-Palestine conflict amounted to anti-semitism. In her recent appearance at the Sundance Film Festival, Barrera opened up about her firing, stating that it was a big awakening.
The Scream franchise faced major setbacks following the firing, as Barrera’s fellow lead Jenna Ortega and director Christopher Landon have both departed the series since then. Meanwhile, Barrera moves on with her career as her new indie film Your Monster premiered at the festival.
Melissa Barrera Is Grateful For Her Firing From The Scream Franchise
While attending the premiere of her film, Your Monster, Melissa Barrera spoke to the Associated Press about her recent firing from the Scream franchise. Barrera’s post on the Israel-Palestine conflict accused the Jewish state of conducting a genocide in Gaza. Spyglass Media’s statement regarding her firing accused the In the Heights actress of making anti-semitic comments. (via BBC)
Barrera responded with her own statement, condemning both anti-semitism and Islamophobia. She added that she also condemned “hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.” (via X). Things have since gone downhill for the franchise, however, Barrera revealed that she was grateful for everything that happened. The firing and the days that followed were an awakening for the actress, who believed that she had finally become who she was supposed to be. She told AP:
“Honestly, I think I finally am becoming who I’m supposed to be in life, and the last few months have been a big awakening of that. I’m just so grateful for everything that’s happened.”
The Keep Breathing actress won many hearts with her gracious response. Fans on X shared their love for Barrera, with one pointing out that she was staying true to herself and also speaks of her Scream role with fondness. Another fan noted how she looked at things in a more positive light since her firing. Fans also bashed Spyglass media for ruining the Scream franchise, while pointing out how Barrera was a crucial part of the franchise’s renewed success. Several fan reactions read:
Love how true to herself she is and still speaks of her experience with scream with fondness
— Tena🍉 (@Downanotherbro) January 19, 2024
I’m really glad she’s able to look at the situation in a positive light. She’s thriving right now and we love to see it
— Lindsey (@XoXoChenford) January 19, 2024
She is so well spoken and knows who she is. Love her and her honesty
— 🎃Hash Slinging Slasher 🎃 (@MoviesThatScare) January 19, 2024
She doesn’t need the Scream franchise, the Scream franchise needs her
— joey (@Fan_FlickOn) January 19, 2024
the guys replying to you are ignoring the fact that she got Your Monster at a sundance getting rave reviews and Radio Silence's Abigail coming out in April. she also has a new horror film with Nicholas Hoult in the works. yeah, she don't need Scream.
— mastersnackboy 🇵🇸 (@rodolfocortez04) January 20, 2024
Spyglass really ruined Scream with firing Melissa
— Christopher J Rosado (@OUTATIME1995) January 19, 2024
While Melissa Barrera garners love and support with her solid stance, another celebrity who commented on the conflict came under fire. Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers in Stranger Things, faced internet backlash when he allegedly a video mocking Palestinian victims. He also faced criticism for allegedly donning stickers that read, “Zionism is sexy,” amidst the conflict (via Variety).
Unlike Melissa Barrera, Noah Schnapp Faced Criticism For His Latest Comments
On January 15, Noah Schnapp posted a video on TikTok, where he claimed that his “thoughts and beliefs” were “misconstrued” until recently. The video was in response to the backlash received for the announcement of Stranger Things Season 5. Schnapp shared that he only wants “peace and safety and security for all innocent people affected by this conflict.”
Fans accused that the 19-year-old was doing some damage control before the release of Stranger Things finale. Earlier, the Netflix series announced the start of production using a black and white photo, where Schnapp was seen with other cast members smiling for the photo. Fans demanded the creators of the series to take action against him for his statements.
It is highly unlikely that Schnapp will get fired from the series. The production of the final season was delayed due to SAG-AFTRA strikes and has resumed from this month. The series will hit the streaming platform by late 2024 or early 2025.
