Jenna Ortega confirms 'Scream' exit was tied to Melissa Barrera firing, not scheduling
In a candid interview with The Cut, Jenna Ortega clarified the long-speculated reason behind her departure from the Scream franchise, confirming it was not due to scheduling conflicts as previously reported, but rather her disillusionment with how the production handled the firing of co-star Melissa Barrera.
'Jenna Ortega.'
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Ortega, who played Tara Carpenter in 2022’s Scream and 2023’s Scream VI, exited the franchise in November 2023—just one day after Barrera was dismissed over her pro-Palestinian social media posts. At the time, Ortega cited a "shooting schedule" conflict. However, she now admits that was not the truth.
“It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling,” Ortega told The Cut. “The Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart. If ‘Scream VII’ wasn’t going to be with that team of directors and those people I fell in love with, then it didn’t seem like the right move for me in my career at the time.”
Barrera had been fired by Spyglass Media Group after she posted messages on social media criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza and expressing support for Palestine. The production company cited its “zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate” in a statement, though Barrera’s posts never explicitly included hate speech.
The firing sparked public backlash and behind-the-scenes turmoil. Director Christopher Landon first posted a cryptic message—“Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make”—before leaving the project altogether, later stating: “It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare.”
With Landon gone, Spyglass tapped original Scream writer Kevin Williamson to direct the seventh installment. Neve Campbell is set to return, but Ortega and Barrera, who were central to the rebooted storyline, are no longer attached.
Since stepping away, Ortega has continued her ascent in Hollywood. She’s reprising her role as Wednesday Addams in the second season of Netflix’s Wednesday and starred in the critically acclaimed Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Reflecting on her career path, Ortega noted her shift in priorities.
“I’ve happened to join a lot of franchises, which is so great to be a part of legacy,” she said. “But for me, I’m really trying to prioritize new directors and original stories.”
Ortega’s comments not only offer clarity but also highlight the ethical and artistic crossroads many actors face in today’s politically charged industry. Her choice, while risky, underscores a growing trend of young Hollywood stars taking principled stands—even if it means walking away from high-profile roles.
