Reports from Variety magazine’s latest digital issue indicate Melissa Barrera, known for her roles in ‘Scream’ and ‘Scream VI,’ won’t be reprising her role in the upcoming ‘Scream 7.’ According to THR, delays due to actors’ and writers’ strikes have led to a sluggish development, prompting Spyglass to reconsider its plans after Barrera’s departure.

Barrera played Sam Carpenter, a pivotal member of the “Core Four,” a new set of survivors guiding the recent trilogy of the Scream franchise. Sam’s significance stems from being the offspring of original Scream antagonist Billy Loomis. While Barrera’s absence affects the anticipated return of characters like Jenna Ortega, Mason Gooding, and Jasmine Savoy Brown, Ortega’s involvement in ‘Scream 7’ remains uncertain.

Updates on this unfolding situation are awaited as more details emerge.

Regarding ‘Scream 7,’ Christopher Landon, known for directing ‘Happy Death Day’ and ‘Freaky,’ will helm this slasher sequel for Spyglass and Paramount. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the directors of ‘Scream’ and ‘Scream VI,’ will serve as executive producers, alongside Chad Villella.

Landon’s credits extend to writing the second, third, fourth, and seventh parts of the ‘Paranormal Activity’ series, including directing and writing ‘Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones.’ His established expertise in horror augurs well for the Scream franchise, given his track record and sensibilities aligning with the saga’s themes.