Following stable critiques and a complete of $160 million worldwide, Scream VI confirmed that the franchise’s rebirth with 2022’s Scream was no fluke. Every thing was in place to maintain the scares coming with Scream 7, nevertheless it all hit a snag when the star of the earlier two movies, Melissa Barrera, was fired from the franchise for sharing pro-Palestine posts that had been perceived by Spyglass Media Group to be antisemitic. After her firing, her co-star Jenna Ortega introduced she would not be returning, and it was broadly reported that the explanation was scheduling conflicts with Season 2 of Wednesday, which then advanced into rumors over a pay dispute. With the insanity all within the rearview mirror, Ortega is revealing the actual purpose why she determined to say goodbye to Ghostface and the Scream franchise.
Throughout an interview with The Reduce, Ortega made it clear that not returning for Scream 7 didn’t contain the explanations that made headlines within the media. The actress mentioned, “It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling. The Melissa stuff was occurring, and it was all sort of falling aside.” When she determined to depart the franchise, the unique administrators had already departed the sequel and had been then changed by Christopher Landon, earlier than ultimately being changed himself. “If Scream 7 wasn’t going to be with that crew of administrators and people individuals I fell in love with, then it did not seem to be the precise transfer for me in my profession on the time.”
‘Scream 7’ Was Practically Derailed by the Exits of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega
Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega portrayed Sam and Tara Carpenter, respectively, within the earlier two installments. Their roles within the franchise seemed to be placing them entrance and middle to conclude what was meant to be a brand new trilogy, with nods to the legacy solid that helped make the Scream collection a hit. After Barrera was let go, followers rallied behind the actress and hit again on the powers that be for firing her over the posts she shared (the posts she shared on her Instagram story that resulted in her dismissal weren’t antisemitic). It was actually a delicate time as a result of nature of the real-life occasions that had been happening, and it is seemingly Spyglass felt strain to let her go, nevertheless it nonetheless did not sit properly with followers.

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When Ortega’s exit was introduced, many followers checked out it as an indication of non-public help for Barrera. Although scheduling conflicts had been instantly recognized as the explanation Ortega would not be collaborating in Scream 7, followers noticed it as a handy excuse to cowl up her true intentions for not returning. It was later reported that pay turned a difficulty as a result of Ortega’s star had risen significantly since she appeared within the 2022 movie, and she or he needed extra money to come back again. Many stars select to face on their integrity in the case of guiding their careers, and it appears like Ortega selected hers when it was time to make the choice to not do Scream 7.
Scream 7 ultimately overcame the lack of its two stars and its introduced director, Christopher Landon. The Drop filmmaker quickly left the undertaking after being chosen to switch Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet in what he described as a dream job that quickly became a nightmare. Scream franchise creator Kevin Williamson is now on the helm of Scream 7, and the collection’ remaining lady, Neve Campbell, can also be returning after sitting out Scream VI following her very actual pay dispute with Spyglass. The upcoming movie will see extra new solid additions together with legacy returns, whereas two members of the core 4 from the earlier two installments, Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown, might be returning as an indication that these movies are nonetheless part of the franchise narrative.
Scream 7 hits screens on Feb. 27, 2026.
Supply: The Reduce

Scream 7
- Launch Date
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February 25, 2026
- Writers
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Man Busick
- Producers
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Cathy Konrad, Gary Barber, Marianne Maddalena, Neve Campbell, Peter Oillataguerre, William Sherak, Ron Lynch
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Celeste O’Connor
Chad Meeks-Martin
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Asa Germann
Gale Weathers