Jenna Ortega Will Not Return For ‘Scream VII’

The ‘Scream’ franchise is taking a hit, and it’s not just on-screen. Following the recent sacking of Melissa Barrera from ‘Scream VII’ by Spyglass, another blow has landed with Jenna Ortega also bowing out.

With both key players, who played a crucial role in breathing new life into the ageing horror series, stepping away, the future of ‘Scream’ is hanging in the balance. Christopher Landon is still in the director’s chair, at least for now. However, Spyglass’s next moves are uncertain.

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Contrary to some speculations, Ortega’s departure isn’t linked to Barrera’s exit, which came after Barrera made numerous social media posts related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Sources indicate that Ortega’s representatives had already informed Spyglass before the actors’ strike that the actress, a prominent figure in young Hollywood over the past decade, wouldn’t be returning. 

Some say there was either no deal in place or, during the renegotiation of her option, Ortega asked for what the movie company deemed as an excessive amount. This move echoes Spyglass’s decision not to bring back the original franchise star, Neve Campbell after she sought a substantial raise for ‘Scream VI.’ (Campbell later stated, “I couldn’t walk on set … feeling undervalued.”)

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Barrera and Ortega portrayed sisters in the franchise since 2022’s ‘Scream.’ In the brief period since the release of that film, Ortega skyrocketed to stardom, thanks to her role in Netflix’s hit ‘Wednesday,’ making her a linchpin for the ‘Scream’ series.

The 2022 ‘Scream’ revival injected new life into the series, blending established stars like Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox and David Arquette with fresh talents like Mason Gooding Jr. and Jasmine Savoy Brown. Despite the challenges, the film raked in $137.7 million globally. The subsequent ‘Scream VI’ set in New York surpassed that with a global haul of $168.9 million.

Image Courtesy: Screen Rant

For ‘Scream VII,’ Neve Campbell chose not to return due to a pay dispute, echoing her sentiments about feeling undervalued on set. However, directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillet remain optimistic about Campbell’s potential return to the series. The future of ‘Scream’ may be uncertain, but the echoes of its past and the hope for continuity persist.

-Britney Jones

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