What Happened
Melissa Barrera, the star of the previous two installments of the Scream franchise, was fired prior to the production of Scream 7 due to comments she made regarding the war in Gaza, which the film’s production company, Spyglass, deemed anti-Semitic. This decision led to significant changes in the film’s production, including the departure of director Christopher Landon and the return of franchise co-creator Kevin Williamson to direct and co-write a new script.
Why It Matters
The firing of Barrera sparked protests outside the Los Angeles premiere of Scream 7, organized by groups such as Entertainment Labor for Palestine and CODEPINK LA. Protesters carried signs and chanted pro-Palestinian messages, highlighting concerns over the industry’s treatment of pro-Palestinian voices. Kevin Williamson, the new director, acknowledged the protests, stating that everyone has a right to be heard in America.
What’s Next
As Scream 7 approaches its release, the film has undergone substantial changes, including the return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, who was reportedly paid $7 million to return. The film’s budget is approximately $45 million, raising questions about the financial implications of these casting decisions. The ongoing discourse surrounding Barrera’s firing and the protests may influence public reception and discussions about representation in Hollywood.
