Scream star Melissa Barrera has opened up about being let go from the Scream franchise.
Barrera spoke about the fallout of the decision during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. After helping to revitalize the Scream franchise by leading its fifth and sixth entries, the star was let go from future films by Spyglass Media Group in November of last year. Co-star Jenna Ortega dropped out shortly after, and now Scream 7, though it is still on the way, will take on a new direction.
Reports at the time of Barerra’s exit stated that the actress was removed from appearing in future films because of pro-Palestine comments related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Now, more than four months removed from the controversial move, Barrera says the aftermath was painful but is thankful for the support she had from her team.
“It’s definitely hard, because I was just in such a cloudy state of mind, but I was very fortunate,” she said. “I had a lot of support from the people around me: my team and specifically my publicists — they just carried me.”
Support through the ordeal can be seen from the team on Barrera’s next project, Abigail. The upcoming movie features an all-star cast that includes the late Angus Cloud, Giancarlo Esposito, Kathryn Newton, Kevin Duran, and, of course, Barrera. The film’s co-director, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, who also helmed Scream 5 and 6, is one individual who’s remained at the star’s side.
“Melissa is incredibly strong,” he said. “You see it in her performances. When you’re friends with her, you feel it in just being with her.”
Spyglass’ classic slasher franchise has dealt with casting woes before. Original Scream star Neve Campbell was notoriously left out of Scream 6, and before the fallout surrounding Barrera, it was unclear if she’d return for Scream 7. Campbell is officially set to return as Sidney Prescott for the next entry, though how its story will tackle the loss of its two leads remains a mystery.
“None of this makes me happy,” Barrera continued. “It was just all sad because I really, deeply care about the franchise. It’s just bad that it had to happen like that.”
Although the events from the last few months have completely shut Barrera off from Scream 7, the star hasn’t completely shut the door on a return down the road.
“I’ve learned to never say never, but also a lot of things would have to happen for Sam to come back,” she says. “For now, next page, next chapter, and then we’ll see what the future holds.”
With the dust slowly settling, Barrera is looking to the future. This includes continuing to use her platform for good and looking out for others who are facing backlash for their online comments.
“It takes a long time for things to change, and there’s resistance, but I definitely see a light at the end of the tunnel,” she says. “Our art always has to be a reflection of the world, and what is the state of the world currently? It’s not great. So how do we make it better?”
For more on Barrera's future, go check out the first trailer for Abigail. The film is set to release in theaters on April 19.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.
