More hits keep coming for the production of Scream VII. The Hollywood Reporter has just reported that Jenna Ortega has left the project, leading us to wonder if the entire production will be scrapped. This announcement follows closely on the heels of co-star Melissa Barrera’s departure due to social media remarks she made about the Israel Hamas war.
The Hollywood Reporter‘s article stated: “Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter she informed Scream studio Spyglass months ago she did not intend to return.” This suggests that her departure is unrelated to the recent controversy regarding Melissa Barrera; however, I’m not entirely convinced. The timing seems too coincidental.
Deadline is reporting that Jenna’s departure is probably due to schedule conflicts stating, “We understand that Ortega’s exit from the next Scream was discussed before the actors strike. A script for Scream VII is not ready yet, and the Primetime Emmy nominee has to head to Ireland in April to shoot the second season of Netflix’s Wednesday which will go into the summer.”
Even though many outlets are reporting that Jenna’s departure is unrelated to Melissa Barrera’s, reports like the one below have us questioning. Either way, we love Jenna Ortega and respect her decision no matter what the reason may be.
The exits of both Ortega and Barrera mark a major shift in the direction of ‘Scream VII’. The franchise, known for its blend of horror and dark comedy, has relied on the continuity of its core characters to maintain its unique appeal. Christopher Landon, who is set to direct the upcoming installment, now faces the challenge of recalibrating the film in light of these significant cast changes. However, I can foresee a pause on production altogether. You can read Christopher Landon’s now deleted post about Barrera’s firing here.
The ‘Scream’ series, since its inception, has been a staple in the horror genre, blending traditional scare tactics with self-referential humor. The departure of Ortega, particularly given her recent rise to stardom, may pose a significant challenge for the franchise’s future. Fans and industry experts alike are keenly watching to see how ‘Scream VII’ will adapt to these unexpected changes.
Let us know what you think in the comments.