Fans of the Scream franchise are expressing frustration with the makers of “Scream 7” after the trailer for the latest installment was released. Much of the backlash stems from the removal of actress Melissa Barrera, whose absence has disappointed many loyal viewers.
In November 2023, Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the film after she made public comments supporting Palestine, especially highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Her departure came amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, which have caused widespread devastation. Following her exit, co-star Jenna Ortega also chose to leave the project, stating that the movie would lose its emotional depth without Barrera.
Ortega, like Barrera, has spoken out against the violence in Gaza and called for peace. Fans on social media have echoed their sentiments, criticizing the production team for continuing the film without the two stars. One fan commented, “This is missing very important women,” while another wrote, “This is where the Scream franchise ended for me,” sharing a still from Scream VI.
In response to the controversy, the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS), which supports Palestine, announced a campaign against “Scream 7.” The initiative has already gained support from 22 other organizations, urging audiences to boycott the film upon release.
Despite the backlash, the studio has not issued a statement addressing the situation. Directed by Kevin Williamson, “Scream 7” is set to hit theaters on February 27, 2026. The film will feature returning stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette, maintaining ties to the original horror legacy.
Still, many fans believe that without Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, Scream 7 will struggle to capture the same spirit and connection that made the earlier films so beloved.
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