The newly revived Scream horror franchise has been thrown into chaos, with director Christopher Landon and stars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega all exiting the upcoming sequel Scream 7. Director Christopher Landon has announced he is leaving the upcoming slasher sequel Scream 7, saying the dream job had turned into a nightmare and his heart broke for everyone involved. His abrupt departure casts serious doubt on the future of the newly revived horror franchise.

Scream 7 Loses Its Director

Scream 6 - Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera
Scream 6 – Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera

Christopher Landon was set to take over directing duties on Scream 7 after helming hit horror films like Happy Death Day and Freaky. But he exited the project just weeks ago, explaining that the experience had turned from a dream job into a nightmare.

Landon’s exit follows the controversial firing of Scream star Melissa Barrera over her social media posts on Palestine, and the subsequent departure of co-star Jenna Ortega. With Landon and the cast members who helped revitalize Scream now gone, big questions surround whether Scream 7 will even get made. The future of the once-hot horror property now looks uncertain.

Also Read: “Not everything need to become a Universe”: Netflix’s Wednesday and Peaky Blinders Spin Offs Sounds Like a Bad Idea For Fans

Why Was Melissa Barrera Out of Scream 7?

Scream VI
Scream VI

As per Vox, Barrera was let go by production company Spyglass Media in November for Instagram posts criticizing media coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict. The actress condemned the Israeli government’s attacks on Gaza that killed Palestinian civilians.

Variety initially reported Barrera was fired for spreading an “antisemitic trope” about Jewish control of media. But Spyglass later clarified she was dismissed for referring to Israel’s actions as “genocide.”

Barrera defended herself, saying “I condemn antisemitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind.” She received significant public support.

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What Does This Mean for the Franchise?

Scream 6
Scream 6

The abrupt loss of Barrera and Ortega deals a huge blow to the Scream franchise. The two actresses were instrumental in reviving the horror series, making 2022’s Scream a big hit.

Ortega in particular has become a horror icon thanks to her standout performance in Scream and her lead role in Netflix’s Wednesday. Her departure raises serious doubts about the viability of continuing without the cast that made Scream a success.

Also Read: Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Season 2 Gets Shocking Update: Fan-Favorite Actor Reportedly Leaving Show

There are reports that Spyglass is reaching out to Neve Campbell, the original Scream star, to try and salvage Scream 7. But after the backlash against Barrera’s firing, Campbell or any major name joining the sequel seems unlikely. Here are some fan reactions on the Director leaving the franchise: 

Horror fans have questioned whether there can even be a Scream 7 without its young female leads. For now, the future of the franchise Sidney Prescott built hangs in the balance.

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