Scream 7 shakeup: Unveiling the twists and turns of the controversy

This week, two stars exited the "Scream" franchise, creating a creative dilemma for the seventh film, as per insider information. Melissa Barrera was reportedly dismissed by Spyglass, the film's producer, due to what they considered antisemitic social media messages related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. 

Simultaneously, Jenna Ortega, who gained prominence in the Wes Craven horror series, had to bow out due to scheduling conflicts with the second season of her Netflix hit Wednesday. The characters portrayed by Barrera and Ortega are sisters in the films.

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Director's Dismay

The backlash against Barrera's removal has been fervent, prompting a response from the film's director, Christopher Landon. In a now-deleted statement on Tuesday, he expressed his frustration, saying, "Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make."

James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, the scribes behind the last two entries in the "Scream" series, are tasked with crafting a new script for the upcoming installment. While certain set pieces and twists may be retained, the film is set to introduce new protagonists, signaling a creative shift for the franchise.

Unmasking the Drama

On Tuesday, November 21, it was revealed that Melissa Barrera, the star of Sam Carpenter, had been discreetly removed from Scream 7. A spokesperson for the film's studio, Spyglass, attributed this decision to her posts on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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The decision to remove Barrera has triggered substantial backlash, and the criticism continues unabated. Online platforms are flooded with shared posts from Barrera's social media, highlighting her stance on supporting all those affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict and advocating for peace.

In the midst of widespread appeals for Jenna Ortega to stand in solidarity with her on-screen sister and depart from Scream 7, recent revelations indicate that the star of Wednesday is unlikely to make a return to the franchise. Interestingly, the reported reason for her absence is not linked to the circumstances surrounding Barrera's departure.

Neve Campbell's Possible Return

In the wake of the Barrera and Ortega developments, insiders informed Variety that producers are eager to reintroduce Neve Campbell, the iconic Sidney Prescott, into the storyline for Scream 7. However, fans swiftly pointed out the past discord between the original star and the horror franchise.

It's worth noting that Campbell's departure from the franchise was rooted in a contractual disagreement. In 2022, she publicly announced her decision not to return as Sidney in Scream 6, citing that the offered terms did not align with the value she had contributed to the franchise.

In the midst of swirling controversies, cast exits, and attempts to bring back familiar faces, the tumultuous journey of Scream 7 seems to be steering the franchise toward a fresh chapter. With Neve Campbell's potential return and the notable void left by Barrera and Ortega, the stage is set for a reboot.