«Scream VII» continues to refine its script, but it has already faced its first controversy: Melissa Barrera, the new protagonist of the saga, has been fired. The reason has sparked a flood of complaints on social media because it is related to her words of support for the Palestinian people and against Israel, something the film’s production company has deemed «incitement to hatred» with its consequent impact.
Barrera, far from expressing regret, has posted a message on her social media in which she does not retract —»At the end of the day, I prefer to be excluded for those I include than to be included for those I exclude,» reads the text she shared via an Instagram story—; although fans were not only focused on her. The future of Jenna Ortega in the saga was also in doubt.
Ortega, who experienced the entire «Wednesday» phenomenon between the two films in which she has acted, was expected in the seventh installment along with her fictional sister. Both seemed to be the natural heirs to the lead role of Sidney Prescott, but with the departure of the elder sister, the fate of the younger one was more than questionable. Especially because she has also expressed her support for Palestine on more than one occasion.
Jenna and Ghostface in ‘Scream (2022).’ / Promotional image
With rumors swirling on social media, Ortega will indeed leave the saga, but not out of solidarity with her colleague or due to dismissal for the same reasons. The actress will not be in «Scream VII» due to scheduling conflicts, as reported by Deadline.
The departure of the «X» movie actress has not been too surprising, even though it is known when the issue of Melissa’s dismissal is still fresh. The same outlet understands that the fact that Ortega would not be in the next movie was known before the actors’ strike —which began on July 14, 2023— but the announcement came a day after the controversy with Barrera.
However, it fits perfectly: the second season of «Wednesday» will begin filming in Ireland in April, with recordings extending until summer. An evident scheduling conflict, considering that the new slasher film was scheduled for late 2024. From there, the only large-screen project known to her will be the sequel to «BeetleJuice,» making it official that the Carpenter sisters have concluded their stint in the «Scream» saga.
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