The Scream franchise was fairly popular for releasing some of the most enjoyable horror movies in pop culture. Starting with the first Scream movie in 1996, this slasher franchise has 5 more movies and a TV show under its belt. But after Scream 6 (2023), things took a turn when actress Melissa Barrera was fired from the franchise. Her social media post about the Israel-Hamas was deemed antisemitic by the production house behind the franchise, and they decided to let go of the actress in November last year.
Although talks about Scream 7 had been ongoing before all the controversy, things went into a limbo after. After Barrera, news broke out that the other lead star of the franchise, Jenna Ortega, had also left months before the firing because of a scheduling conflict and an alleged pay dispute. And then, Christopher Landon, who had been brought on to direct the sequel, also left. With so many departures one after the other, things were not looking good for the sequel. But it seems like there is finally some good news on the horizon, but we will let you decide that!
Scream 7 In Talks With Courtney Cox After Securing The Deal With Neve Campbell
Neve Campbell, who led the Scream franchise from its first movie till the 5th, decided not to return for the 6th movie in the storyline. The actress was very clear that the only reason for her refusal was the pay she had been offered for the 6th movie, which saw Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega‘s Sam and Tara Carpenter taking the center stage. But now, with both of them gone, it looks like Spyglass is trying to bring back older characters, starting with Campbell.
Earlier this month, Campbell posted on her Instagram that she was returning to the series alongside Kevin Williamson. Williamson is the creator of the franchise. He wrote the first four Scream movies and now will be back to direct the 7th installment. Now, as reported by Variety, Spyglass is in talks with Courtney Cox to come back for the sequel. Cox is one of two cast members, along with Roger L. Jackson, who has been part of all 6 Scream movies so far. But given her character’s fate at the end of the sixth movie, fans thought she was done with the franchise. But clearly not, if the latest rumors are anything to go by.
Unfortunately, fans are not too enthusiastic about the update so far, even though the slasher franchise has been one of the more popular ones in movie history.
Won’t be seeing it. I stand with Melissa
— Truly Pete (72%)👽 🔜 Some Rave Eventually (@AStateofPete) March 29, 2024
Bringing back anyone they can in order to bring back interest and profits. Wild how before they weren't willing to give better contracts but now they're desperate. Regardless firing Melissa made them look bad and nobody is forgetting what happened.
— Eddie (@OHMYDIAZ) March 29, 2024
No1 gaf
— RR🧠 (@Asoegwu_) March 29, 2024
#TeamMelissaBarrera Forever 🙏🏻❤️
Also …. pic.twitter.com/9Enatxc37r
— Peter Rabbit’s Award Buzz (@PeterRabbit_4DX) March 29, 2024
I can't wait until we see the box office fallout for this movie because someone was fired for speaking out in support of innocent life.
— ☣Less Than Zero☣ (@_LessThanZer0_) March 29, 2024
End it already
It's boring😂
— Lawal🦁🇦🇷 (@tndlawal) March 29, 2024
Well, even if Courtney Cox does return, the appeal the franchise had until the Melissa Barrera controversy has gone down a lot. So, it will be interesting to see how Scream 7 manages to perform at the box office.
Melissa Barrera Has Not Given Up On Scream Completely
Actress Melissa Barrera became part of the Scream franchise in the 5th installment before taking on a more prominent role in the 6th movie alongside cast mate Jenna Ortega. But things went crazy after she was fired by Spyglass, the production house behind the franchise for her social media post about the Israel-Hamas war, which they deemed antisemitic. Barrera took a stand after the firing, firm in her beliefs, and the audience loved her for it.
Recently, the actress was asked if she would come back to the franchise, and her answer may come as a surprise to fans. Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Barrera said:
“I’ve learned to never say never, but also a lot of things would have to happen for Sam to come back. For now, next page, next chapter, and then we’ll see what the future holds.”
It may be surprising to some, but the actress is correct in not completely dismissing the idea of returning. Especially in a franchise like Scream, which has a habit of bringing back characters from past movies.
Scream 5 and 6 are available for streaming on Paramount Plus.
