The question of whether the upcoming Spyglass horror sequel would be further delayed is raised by Melissa Barrera's termination and Jenna Ortega's departure.
Characters in the Scream movie series are advised never to answer the phone for fear that Ghostface will be on the other end. However, following a turbulent few months for the franchise, Scream studio Spyglass is probably hoping that its calls will be returned as it works to prevent its upcoming seventh Scream movie from being canceled due to a major casting change and ensuing creative pivot. On November 21, news broke that Melissa Barrera had been fired by Spyglass from the upcoming seventh Scream movie due to social media posts that corporate decision-makers had labeled as antisemitic. However, sources note that the firing actually occurred a month earlier, during the early weeks of the Israel-Hamas war, during which Barrera had become increasingly vocal.
The news of Barrera’s onscreen sister, Jenna Ortega, leaving the franchise quietly months earlier broke on November 22. The reason given was scheduling conflicts, but according to sources, Ortega, who went from being a child star to a supporting role in last year’s Scream to the A-list because of her role in the Netflix series Wednesday, asked for a higher salary for the seventh installment, commensurate with her status. Unlike Barrera, though, sources say Ortega had no contract in place. Although she had been paid in the six figures for her previous installments, her team now wants projects with significant paydays, something the Scream franchise is not known for.
News of Barrera’s onscreen sister, Jenna Ortega, quitting the franchise months earlier leaked on November 22. The reason given was scheduling conflicts, but sources say Ortega asked for a higher salary for the seventh installment, commensurate with her status, as she went from being a child star to a supporting role in last year’s Scream to the A-list because of her role in the Netflix series Wednesday. Unlike Barrera, though, sources say Ortega had no contract in place, and although her previous installments had paid her in the six figures, her team now wants projects with significant paydays, something the Scream franchise is not known for.