Scream fans were devastated to learn that Melissa Barrera was fired from Scream VII. Now, just one day later, it’s been revealed that co-star Jenna Ortega has left Scream 7 herself.
Both Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega were major players in the latest Scream revival. The 2022 movie essentially passed the torch from the saga’s original trio to a new group of protagonists led by Barrera and Ortega.
Additionally, Barrera’s character was revealed to be the daughter of original Scream antagonist Billy Loomis. As such, her role was vital to the storyline of the new films. Likewise, Ortega has become a major draw, especially with a successful career that includes Wednesday and the upcoming Beetlejuice 2.
As shared via THR, however, it appears that Ortega chose to focus on such projects over Scream. Indeed, her decision to leave has nothing to do with Barrera, and seems to have been in place as early as prior to the actors strike.
The publication alleges that “Ortega’s representatives informed Spyglass prior to the actors strike that the actress, one of the biggest young Hollywood names to emerge this past decade, would not be returning.” As for why, they say that “the actress either had no deal or, in the renegotiating of her option, asked what the movie company deemed was too much money.”
This, THR adds, is quite similar to the situation with franchise star Neve Campbell. She previously declined to return for Scream VI because Spyglass did not give her a good enough offer financially.
We’ll have to see what impact these behind-the-scenes issues have on Scream VII and the future of the franchise. For now, director Christopher Landon is still attached, having taken over for Radio Silence. Stay tuned to ScreenGeek for any additional updates. For now, it certainly looks like the franchise is in trouble.