The Scream film series, reinvigorated by Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media, hit a stride with great success in the consecutive releases of ‘Scream (2022)’ and ‘Scream VI’, netting around $139 million and $169 million respectively at the global box office. Continuing the trend, a new Scream film, dubbed ‘Scream 7’, is in the works. However, the path to its release has proven to be fraught with unexpected challenges.
Key Takeaways:
– ‘Scream 7’, the newest installment of the popular horror franchise, is facing several hurdles in its development.
– Melissa Barrera, who played Samantha Carpenter, has been fired from the project due to controversial social media comments.
– Jenna Ortega, another critical cast member, is leaving the project over wage disputes and scheduling conflicts.
– Veteran Scream franchise actress Neve Campbell is expected to return, possibly paired with Patrick Dempsey.
– Original Scream writer Kevin Williamson will be directing the film.
Melissa Barrera Faces Sudden Dismissal
Previously introduced to the franchise through ‘Scream V’ as Samantha Carpenter, Melissa Barrera was slated to reprise her role in ‘Scream 7’. Her character, believed to be the child of original Ghostface killer Billy Loomis, had significant expectations attached to her in the new film. However, on November 21, Spyglass Media announced Barrera’s termination from the project. The decision was driven by accusatory posts made on Barrera’s social media about the Israel and Gaza conflict that Spyglass deemed as crossing the line into hate speech.
Despite her discharge, Barrera remains active and has continued to attract public attention, as exhibited by her joining a pro-Palestinian protest at Sundance and her growing presence in the upcoming film ‘Abigail’.
Jenna Ortega’s Prompt Exit
The project hit another snag with the exit of Jenna Ortega, who played the character of Tara in the franchise. Claiming scheduling conflicts due to filming for Netflix’s Addams Family series, Ortega opted out after failing to negotiate a significant pay raise. Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown, the tenants for the roles of the Meeks-Martin twins, are still not confirmed to reprise their roles.
Neve Campbell and Patrick Dempsey’s Possible Return
The loss of Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera has opened pathways to bring back Neve Campbell, the veteran Sidney Prescott of the Scream franchise. Rumors suggest that Campbell is not the only one being lured back. Patrick Dempsey, who played her love interest, Mark Kincaid in ‘Scream 3’, is highly anticipated to revive his cop role in the new sequel.
Director Chair Now Filled by Kevin Williamson
Filling the vacuum left by former directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the iconic Kevin Williamson will take the helm as director for ‘Scream 7’. Williamson, notable for his seminal work ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ and his writing contributions to the Scream franchise, will work with writer Guy Busick for the film.
In conclusion, it’s clear that ‘Scream 7’ is on a tumultuous journey, yet the prospect of Neve Campbell returning to the scene and Kevin Williamson directing brings excitement to the fans. Despite the sudden and significant changes, the anticipation for ‘Scream 7’ remains high.
