Paramount/Spyglass
EXCLUSIVE: Jenna Ortega, a key factor in the success of Scream VI, which achieved the horror franchise’s highest ever opening grosses of $44.4M domestically and $67M globally, is not anticipated to reprise her role in Scream VII, according to insider sources.
This decision is not related to the recent dismissal of Melissa Barrera by Spyglass Media due to the actress’ repostings on social media about the Hamas-Israel conflict. It also does not stem from Ortega’s request to be released from her Scream contract. Ortega and Barrera portrayed sisters in the 2022 and 2023 installments of the Scream franchise as Tara and Sam Carpenter respectively.
Ortega’s departure from the upcoming Scream film was under discussion prior to the actors’ strike. The script for Scream VII is not yet finalized, and the Primetime Emmy nominee is scheduled to begin filming the second season of Netflix’s Wednesday in Ireland in April, continuing through the summer. Following the SAG-AFTRA strike, there are additional shooting days for Beetlejuice to meet its Labor Day 2024 theatrical release.
While the schedule for Scream 7 remains unconfirmed, it is evident that Ortega’s career prospects are soaring following the success of Wednesday. She received a Primetime Emmy nomination for her role as the title character in the series.
The Scream franchise has the potential to surpass the $1 billion global box office mark with its seventh installment, having amassed $911M through six films.
In response to Barrera’s removal from Scream VII, Spyglass issued a statement affirming their zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism and hate speech.
Christopher Landon, the new director of Scream 7, posted and then deleted a cryptic statement on social media, indicating that the decision was not his own.
Spyglass did not respond to requests for comment. Ortega is represented by CAA.
