Scream franchise faces casting shakeup with departures of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega

News - 30 November 2023

Last week was quite the whirlwind for fans of the Scream franchise as a wave of casting news hit. Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, who were set to star in the upcoming Scream 7, have both been removed from the project. While the reason behind Barrera's departure has been revealed, a new rumor has surfaced regarding Ortega.

Barrera's exit from the film was initially believed to be related to her filming commitments for Beetlejuice 2, among other projects. However, it has now come to light that it was due to scheduling conflicts. On the other hand, Ortega's departure appears to be a result of contract negotiations gone wrong.

Jenna Ortega, a 21-year-old American actress, has seen her star rise rapidly in the past couple of years, thanks in part to her role in the popular series Wednesday. With increased fame often comes increased demands, and it seems that Ortega's rising star may have led to some tension behind the scenes. Reports suggest that the actress requested a significant pay raise, which the studio ultimately refused to meet, leading to her departure from the project.

This situation mirrors a conflict that former Scream lead Neve Campbell faced during the production of Scream VI. However, Campbell's negotiations took place after five films in the franchise, whereas Ortega's occurred after only two. It seems that Ortega was aware that the studio had kept the Scream films on tight budgets since the beginning and still pushed for a higher salary, despite the odds being against her.

The news of Ortega's departure has left fans wondering about the future of the franchise and who might fill the void left by her absence. Rumors have been circulating that Neve Campbell, who portrayed Sidney Prescott in the original Scream films, may make a return to the series. Campbell's character was a beloved and iconic figure in the horror genre, and many fans would be thrilled to see her reprise her role.

While the departures of Barrera and Ortega have caused some uncertainty for Scream fans, the franchise has proven resilient in the past. With a dedicated fan base and a history of successful films, it is likely that Scream 7 will find a way to move forward, even in the wake of these casting changes.As fans eagerly await further updates on the status of Scream 7, one thing is certain: the legacy of the Scream franchise will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Whether through the return of familiar faces or the introduction of new characters, the world of Scream is always evolving, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with each new installment.