Neve Campbell surprised fans with an announcement that she is finally joining the untitled Scream 7 film and is very happy to return to the franchise. This happened after Spyglass Media Group fired Melissa Barrera following her social media posts about the Palestine-Israel conflict.
Campbell previously revealed she would not return for the sixth installment due to a dispute in salary, claiming the money offered did not equate to her efforts in launching the horror movie franchise.
Neve Campbell Joins Scream 7, Melissa Barrera Fired From The Project
It seems like things are now settled between Neve Campbell and the studio after the actress officially announced her return to the franchise as Sidney Prescott. She wrote on her Instagram page:
“It’s always been such a blast and an honor to get to play Sidney in the Scream movies. My appreciation for these films and for what they have meant to me, has never waned. I’m very happy and proud to say I’ve been asked, in the most respectful way, to bring Sidney back to the screen and I couldn’t be more thrilled!”
Director Kevin Williamson also reposted the image and added a caption of his own:
“It’s been nearly 30 years since my very first script, Scream, was directed by the legendary Wes Craven. I never would have predicted what it would become. Or that I would be directing the seventh installment of the franchise. I am overcome with gratitude and excitement, and I can’t wait to take this journey with Neve and the entire Scream family.”
As Campbell returns, Melissa Barrera, who plays Sam Carpenter, has been dropped from Scream 7 after expressing her support for the Palestinian cause and slamming the Israeli actions amid the Israel-Hamas issue. The actress has publicly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Israel and accused Israeli forces of “genocide & ethnic cleansing.”
Spyglass Media Group released a statement following the actress’ termination from the movie via EW:
“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: 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.”
Barrera is not the only star leaving the franchise. Jenna Ortega will not appear in the seventh installment due to schedule conflicts.
Fans Expressed Support For Melissa Barrera Amid Termination Issue
Meanwhile, Scream fans are not happy with the studio’s decision to fire Melissa Barrera. Amid Neve Campbell’s return, many stated that this was only done as a desperate move to save face after dropping the Mexican star. Check out fans’ reactions below:
Won’t be watching. We stand with Melissa
— Truly Pete (72%)👽 🔜 Some Rave Eventually (@AStateofPete) March 12, 2024
I speak for everyone when I say we want Melissa Barrera back
— Joey (@gothamhiphop) March 12, 2024
Good luck with that.
No Melissa Barrera, no Scream 7 for me. 🙏❤️
— Peter Rabbit’s Award Buzz (@PeterRabbit_4DX) March 12, 2024
Glad they paid the person who made the franchise big return. But under these circumstances I wouldn't return after what happened with Melissa.
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ) March 12, 2024
We didn't forget how Melissa was fired for speaking her truth!
— Sam🇵🇸 (@fagsnightmare) March 12, 2024
That's great news for Sidney fans (I'm one!) but what about Melissa being removed for using her voice (brilliantly) on a situation not concerning Scream? let's not forget about that.. this seems like damage control. #Ceasefire
— paulie ⚓️ (@ratedpaulie) March 12, 2024
It seems like the crisis management team also needs to do something about this as fans threaten not to watch the film anymore. The creative team needs to amp up their game with the movie’s overall storyline and make Campbell’s return worthwhile.
Scream 7 is looking into a late 2024 to early 2025 release. Details about the plot and cast remain under wraps, though the script has been written by Guy Busick, and the story co-created by James Vanderbilt.
