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Jenna Ortega Confirms Scream VII Exit Stemmed From Production Turmoil

The actress cites the collapse of the trusted creative team and the firing of co-star Melissa Barrera as key factors in her decision to step away.

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Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega in "Scream VI" (Credit: Paramount)
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Overview

  • Jenna Ortega revealed her departure from Scream VII was due to the disintegration of the creative team she trusted, not scheduling conflicts or pay disputes.
  • Her decision followed the firing of co-star Melissa Barrera, who was dismissed in November 2023 for pro-Palestine social media posts deemed controversial by Spyglass Media Group.
  • The franchise underwent major upheaval, with directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin exiting and Kevin Williamson stepping in to direct the retooled project.
  • Ortega emphasized her desire to prioritize original stories and new directors, aligning with her recent roles in projects like Death of a Unicorn and Wednesday Season 2.
  • Scream VII is now set to feature the return of Neve Campbell and other legacy cast members, with a theatrical release planned for February 2026.