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Image Credit: PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Scream 7 is scheduled to hit theaters in February 2026, a little over two years since Melissa Barrera was let go from the production. Upon hearing the news of her dismissal, horror enthusiasts expressed their shock and pledged to abstain from viewing the forthcoming installment. However, with the comeback of original lead actress Neve Campbell and other familiar figures such as Matthew Lillard to the series, some remain enthusiastic about witnessing Ghostface’s renewed terror. So, what led to Melissa’s abrupt removal from Scream 7?
Presented below, Hollywood Life has gathered the complete account of Melissa’s surprising termination, her reaction, and the current status of the Scream saga following her exit.
In How Many Scream Films Did Melissa Barrera Appear?
Melissa takes a role in a pair of films within the series: the 2022 Scream and 2023’s Scream VI as Samantha “Sam” Carpenter.
What Prompted Melissa Barrera’s Firing From Scream 7?
Spyglass Media dismissed Melissa due to her openly expressed views concerning the Israel-Hamas situation. One of her Instagram Stories at that period featured a statement declaring, “Gaza is presently being handled in a manner reminiscent of a concentration camp. Confining everyone collectively, with nowhere to escape, devoid of power, devoid of water … Humanity seemingly has gained little from past experiences. Mirroring historical patterns, individuals remain passively observing. THIS IS GENOCIDE & ETHNIC CLEANSING.”
Following the announcement of Melissa’s termination in November 2023, Spyglass issued the following declaration through a representative to Variety: “Spyglass’s position remains explicitly unambiguous: We maintain absolute intolerance toward antisemitism or the instigation of animosity in any manifestation, encompassing misleading allusions to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust misrepresentation, or any element that demonstrably transitions into hate-filled rhetoric.”
Brownie Harris/Paramount Pictures ©2021
Was Melissa Barrera Fired By Director Christopher Landon?
No, the original Scream 7 director, Christopher Landon, did not terminate Melissa’s employment; he made this clear in a public announcement. Responding to the apparent criticism he received from fans, the filmmaker posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, “This is my statement: Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.”
How Did Melissa Barrera Respond to Her Dismissal From Scream 7?
Melissa addressed her departure from Scream 7 in a statement shared via her Instagram Stories during November 2023. She initiated the message by stating, “Principally, I denounce Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I denounce animosity and partiality of any form aimed at any demographic. As a Latina, a devoted Mexicana, I recognize the importance of wielding a platform that affords me the opportunity to be heard, and accordingly, I have strived to utilize it to create awareness regarding matters I hold dear and to amplify the voices of those in need.”
“Each individual on this planet — irrespective of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status — is entitled to equivalent human rights, dignity, and, naturally, liberty,” Melissa proceeded. “My conviction is that a collective is DISTINCT from its leadership, and that no governing entity should be immune to critique. I pray continuously for an end to mortality, for an end to brutality, and for harmonious coexistence. I shall persist in advocating for those most vulnerable and continue campaigning for tranquility and security, for human rights and liberation. Remaining silent is untenable for me.”
©2021 PARAMOUNT PICTURES.
Why Won’t Jenna Ortega Be Seen in Scream 7?
Early reports proposed that Jenna Ortega exited Scream 7 because of clashes in her timetable with other engagements, such as Wednesday. However, she unveiled the reality during an interview with The Cut in April 2025.
“It had nothing at all to do with finances or timetabling,” Jenna clarified. “The Melissa situation was unfolding, and things were generally unravelling.”
In addition to filmmaker Christopher leaving the project, directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin also departed after Jenna’s withdrawal.
“Given that Scream VII would lack that team of directors and those individuals I had come to deeply appreciate, it did not present itself as the appropriate avenue for me at that juncture in my professional path,” Jenna concluded.
Sourse: hollywoodlife.com