Key Takeaways:
– The Scream franchise is experiencing significant cast changes before the release of Scream 7.
– Actress Melissa Barrera was fired over alleged inappropriate comments related to Israel and Gaza.
– Jenna Ortega, Melissa Barrera's co-star, has also exited the project, primarily due to salary disputes and scheduling conflicts.
– Neve Campbell, who played Sidney Prescott in the first five Scream films, will return in Scream 7.
– Kevin Williamson, original Scream screenwriter, will direct Scream 7.
The famed Scream franchise revival by Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media hit a high with its fifth and sixth sequels. But now, the wheeling towards Scream 7 seems to have hit a few bumps, with unexpected exits and new entrants making waves.
Firstly, Melissa Barrera, who joined the franchise in the fifth edition, was dismissed from the project over her alleged comments on social media related to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Barrera, who played Samantha Carpenter in the series, responded to her firing by affirming, “Silence is not an option.” Even though her character's continuation in the franchise seems to have reached an abrupt end, Barrera remains robust, engaging in different activities like participating in pro-Palestine protests and featuring promisingly in the promotional campaign of her new film, Abigail.
Switching gears, Jenna Ortega also brought forth surprises with her exit from Scream 7. Well-known for her character Tara, Ortega's absence in the new sequel has been attributed to her demanding a significant salary hike, and scheduling conflicts with the filming of season 2 of Wednesday, a Netflix series in which she plays the title character. This development means that both the Carpenter sisters' storyline will be missing in the upcoming sequel, leaving fans curious about the plot's new direction.
But it's not all bad news, as we've got some exciting returns to buoy the franchise's devoted fans! Neve Campbell, who played Sidney Prescott in the first five films, is making a comeback in Scream 7. She confirmed her return on Instagram, expressing enthusiasm over participating in yet another installment of this iconic series. Campbell also hinted at the possibility of Patrick Dempsey joining the cast. However, it's still a rumor and yet to be confirmed.
Another exciting development is that Courteney Cox, famous for her character Gale Weathers, is negotiating her return for Scream 7. While she hasn't officially confirmed her participation, fans are eagerly awaiting an announcement from Cox, as she has been pivotal in all previous Scream movies.
In a surprising twist, the director's chair for Scream 7 has been claimed by Kevin Williamson, who penned the original Scream script. It's interesting to note that this is Williamson's second time directing after his debut with the 1999 thriller Teaching Mrs. Tingle, adding another layer of anticipation for all awaiting the release of Scream 7.
Needless to say, Scream 7 is shaping up to be an exciting new chapter in the hit franchise's story. With heavyweights like Neve Campbell returning to the series and new entrants like Kevin Williamson joining as director, there's a lot to look forward to. Regardless of the challenges, the Scream franchise refuses to slow down, promising fans an entertaining ride with Scream 7.
Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated sequel. Let us know your thoughts on these updates in the comments below!
