After being fired fromScream 7, Melissa Barrera is opening up about Neve Campbell’s return to the franchise. Barrera has been a standout in slasher movies since her character was first introduced inScream(2022). She returned forScream VI(2023) and was prepared to reprise her role again, but theSam Carpenter actor was fired from the production after sharing pro-Palestinian comments. After Barrera’s firing, Neve Campbell (Sidney Prescott) agreed toreturn to theScreamfranchise, which she has been an integral part of since the first movie was released in 1996.
While Barrera has moved on to other projects, she spoke withDeciderabout Campbell’s decision to reprise her own role. She admitted that she has not spoken to Campbell about the decision butrespected the actor’s decision to returnand reflects that “everyone makes their choices'. Check out Barrera’s full quote below:
We haven’t really spoken. I think everyone makes their choices, and what they think is best for them. I fully respect what people think that they need to do, to keep going in this life.
What Melissa Barrera’s Comments Mean For Scream 7
Scream 7 Has Been A Controversial Production
Scream 7has been a highly controversial production, as two major cast members have exited for wildly different reasons. Barrera’s pro-Palestinian comments were evidently the reason that she was fired, as Spyglass Media Group reported that they have “zero tolerance” for antisemitism and denounced her comments.Jenna Ortega left the next day, reportedly due to a salary dispute. That meant that Sam and Tara Carpenter were no longer part of the movie, which led to massive delays and retooling. Campbell’s return represents a shift in focus and a return to the franchise’s roots.
Spyglass' full statement indicated that “We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”
Campbell is a long-time actor in the franchise and is likely to bring more viewers than Barrera could, so it does make sense that she would be recruited. Whether Barrera embraces Campbell or not, it will likely not have much of an impact on its potential box-office success. The controversy has already heavily influenced the production, andany supporters of Barrera will likely avoid the movie, regardless of her commentsabout Campbell. Her statement of support is positive, but it is unlikely to bring any viewers back who lost interest in the franchise.
Our Take On Melissa Barrera’s Scream 7 Remarks
They Will Not Make Much Of A Difference
Barrera’s comments do not wholly endorse Campbell’s return but rather reflect that it is something Campbell felt she had to do.The otherScreamcast membershave been supportive of Barrera, but many remained involved in the production, so joining the movie is not indicative that Campbell is turning against Barrera. With so much turnover in the cast, the movie could stumble even without considering the controversy. It is difficult to predict the impact that Barrera’s firing will have onScream 7, which will heavily depend on Campbell’s performance.
Scream 7
Cast
Scream 7 is the latest entry in the longstanding horror franchise, continuing the legacy with new chilling events.
