The Scream series is one of the most renowned horror film franchises, that has the most recognizable faces from the movie industry. The series has managed to withstand the face of time, something that other popular horror film franchises have failed to do. The series has already six films under its name, and with another upcoming sequel, it is not looking to slow down anytime soon.
However, the upcoming project has faced a massive blow as Spyglass, the studio behind the seventh film of the franchise decided to fire Melissa Barrera after her recent pro-Palestinian posts that stirred up controversy online. Christopher Landon, the director of Scream 7 was frustrated as in a tweet, he expressed his frustration over the sacking of his film’s main actor.
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Scream 7 Studio Decides To Drop Melissa Barrera Amid Pro-Palestine Comments
Melissa Barrera, who has been portraying the role of Sam Carpenter in the last two sequels of the film series has been fired by Spyglass, following her pro-Palestine stance. The news came after she posted an Instagram story sharing her experience of being from “a colonized country,” saying “Palestine WILL be free.” Though the decision to sack her was not the original plan, her comments stirred a massive online controversy.
Spyglass did not release any initial comment about the firing of the actress, later they released a statement to Variety stating that the Scream actress’ comments were seen as antisemitic.
“We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”
The news was a staggering blow to Scream 7 and Christopher Landon, the director of the film in a now-deleted tweet on Twitter via DiscussingFilm, describing his frustration, and how “everything s**ks” for him.
‘SCREAM 7’ director Christopher Landon has commented on Melissa Barrera being fired from the film for speaking out against the genocide happening in Palestine:
“This is my statement: 💔 Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.” pic.twitter.com/uSzItFthio
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) November 22, 2023
With the departure of the Vida actress, Scream 7 suffers a massive blow as she works alongside Jenna Ortega as a pair of sisters who had found themselves as the survivors of the Woodsboro’s Ghost face killers. Barrera’s character is now one of the integral parts of the plot and makes fans of the franchise wonder what will happen in the upcoming sequel of the horror series.
How Melissa Barrera’s Firing Affects Scream 7
Melissa Barrera’s sacking is not the first casting shuffle that has taken place in the franchise’s history as Nave Campbell declined to return to the sixth installment of the film. Since the actress decided to return Courtney Cox’s Gale Weathers had a dialogue stating Sidney Prescott went into hiding with her family rather than choosing a fight with the next Ghostface.
In all likelihood, the franchise might follow the same tactics how Carpenter went into hiding. However, this would be a major blow as Melissa Barrera’s Sam Carpenter was a more important character following the recent sequels of the film. The excuse would cover up her absence, and it would put Jenna Ortega at the forefront.
Scream 7 is yet to receive a release date.
