Actress Melissa Barrera has reportedly made strong remarks regarding the upcoming Scream 7 film, labelling its new cast members as 'scabs'. Barrera’s comments follow her controversial dismissal from the horror franchise last year over social media posts concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict. She also suggested that the decision to bring back original stars was a direct response to the upheaval.
Barrera, who played Sam Carpenter in the previous two instalments, Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023), reportedly stated, 'The only way they were able to make that movie after what happened was to nostalgia-bait as much as possible.' Her departure, announced in November 2023, was followed shortly by the exit of co-star Jenna Ortega, who cited scheduling conflicts with her Netflix series Wednesday. These significant cast changes left the future of the popular slasher series in question.
The term 'scab' typically refers to a worker who crosses a picket line or takes a job during a strike, often viewed negatively by striking workers. Barrera's use of the term suggests a strong condemnation of those who have joined the project in the wake of her and Ortega's exits. Her comments highlight ongoing tensions within Hollywood surrounding freedom of expression and employment, particularly in politically sensitive contexts.
In response to the cast shake-up, Spyglass Media, the production company behind the Scream franchise, announced that original star Neve Campbell would return as Sidney Prescott for Scream 7. Kevin Williamson, who penned the original 1996 Scream screenplay, is also set to direct. Campbell had previously declined to appear in Scream VI due to a salary dispute, making her return a notable development.
The Scream franchise, known for its meta-commentary on horror tropes, has a significant following in the UK. The previous two films, featuring Barrera and Ortega, were successful at the box office and are available for streaming on platforms such as Paramount+ and Prime Video for UK audiences. The latest developments add another layer of real-world drama to a series already famous for its twists and turns.
The controversy surrounding Barrera's exit and her subsequent comments underscore broader discussions within the entertainment industry about the intersection of personal views, professional conduct, and the public's perception of talent. Her remarks are likely to fuel further debate among fans and industry insiders as production on Scream 7 progresses.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter