Last year, Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media successfully resurrected the Scream franchise with its fifth installment, raking in nearly $139 million worldwide. The subsequent arrival of Scream VI within fourteen months surpassed its predecessor, securing close to $169 million globally, a feat reminiscent of the series’ earlier triumphs. With the exception of Scream 4, which fell short of the $100 million mark, the franchise has historically performed well, with the first two entries grossing over $170 million each.

Given this streak of success, the production of Scream 7 initially appeared poised for triumph. The film boasted a fan-favorite director and a returning ensemble of in-demand actors. However, the recent termination of lead actress Melissa Barrera has cast a shadow over the project.

Here’s what we know about this increasingly contentious addition to the franchise:

DIRECTOR VACANCY
The absence of a director looms large over the production. Initially, Christopher Landon, known for ‘Happy Death Day’ and ‘Freaky,’ was set to helm the movie but eventually departed, citing a turn from “a dream job to a nightmare.” The reasons behind his departure will be discussed later.

While the franchise’s earlier films were under the helm of the late Wes Craven, both Scream (2022) and Scream VI were directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett of the Radio Silence team, along with producer Chad Villella. Although they expressed interest in steering Scream 7, their involvement was delayed due to their commitment to a Universal Monster project. Nonetheless, Radio Silence remains attached to the film as executive producers.

MELISSA BARRERA’S DISMISSAL
Melissa Barrera, introduced in the fifth Scream as Samantha Carpenter, faced termination from the project. Spyglass Media confirmed her firing, citing “zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate.” Barrera’s social media comments regarding the Israel-Gaza situation led to her dismissal. Barrera had hoped for the inclusion of Samantha’s mother, Christina (potentially portrayed by Salma Hayek), and envisioned exploring Sam’s mental health in the sequel.

JENNA ORTEGA’S EXIT
Following Barrera’s dismissal, Jenna Ortega, Barrera’s co-star portraying Tara in the Scream movies, also departed the project. Scheduling conflicts with Ortega’s commitment to Netflix’s ‘Wednesday’ series and her role in ‘Beetlejuice 2’ were cited as reasons. Reports surfaced that Ortega sought a substantial salary increase, which Spyglass declined, resulting in her exit.

NEVE CAMPBELL’S POTENTIAL RETURN… WITH PATRICK DEMPSEY?
Neve Campbell, renowned for her portrayal of Sidney Prescott in the first five films, withdrew from Scream VI due to a pay dispute. However, efforts are reportedly underway to entice Campbell back for Scream 7, alongside Patrick Dempsey, her on-screen love interest in Scream 3. The character, a cop named Mark Kincaid, is believed to be married to Sidney in the Scream universe, hinted at in the fifth film.

With Barrera and Ortega’s departure, speculations abound regarding the return of the Meeks-Martin siblings in the absence of their companions. As developments continue to unfold, further updates on Scream 7 are anticipated, aiming for a 2025 release.