Jenna Ortega Breaks Her Silence on ‘Scream VII’ Exit – Here’s the Real Story
It’s been a rollercoaster for fans of the Scream franchise, and just when things seemed like they couldn’t get any messier, Jenna Ortega has finally decided to speak her truth.
In a candid new interview with The Cut, the rising star of Death of a Unicorn opened up about why she really walked away from Scream VII—and spoiler alert: it wasn’t about the money or a packed filming schedule.
“It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling,” Ortega clarified. “The Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart.”
Let’s rewind a bit.
What Went Down with Melissa Barrera?
Back in November 2023, Melissa Barrera—one of the franchise’s key leads—was let go by Spyglass Media Group, the company behind the Scream films. The decision sparked immediate controversy, as Barrera was fired after sharing a series of social media posts about the Israel-Hamas war. Those posts led to accusations of anti-Semitism, which Barrera later addressed head-on.
In a heartfelt interview with The Times in April 2024, the Mexican-born actress expressed just how painful the experience had been.
“It wasn’t easy to be labeled as something so horrible when I knew that wasn’t the case,” she said. “I did have opportunities taken away from me. But I always trusted God, trusted that everything was going to work out for me.”
It was a tough moment not only for Barrera but for the entire production. And while some believed Ortega’s departure was unrelated, Jenna’s latest comments tell a different story.
So… Why Did Jenna Really Leave?
Fans were originally told Ortega was stepping away from Scream VII due to a scheduling conflict with her hit Netflix series Wednesday, which was gearing up for its second season. That seemed plausible enough—after all, she’s one of the busiest young stars in Hollywood.
But now we know that wasn’t the full picture.
Ortega revealed that the on-set dynamic had completely shifted after Barrera’s exit, and it no longer felt like the same creative team she’d signed up for. In her words:
“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.”
Talk about loyalty. Ortega’s comments make it clear—this was less about clashing schedules and more about a fractured vision.
Director Christopher Landon Bows Out Too
And it wasn’t just the stars heading for the exit. In a twist that fans didn’t see coming, director Christopher Landon—known for Happy Death Day—also stepped down just a month after Ortega and Barrera walked away.
He took to X (formerly Twitter) to break the news:
“I guess now is as good a time as any to announce I formally exited Scream 7 weeks ago. This will disappoint some and delight others. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But it’s time to move on.”
That’s a lot of heartbreak for one franchise.
A Legacy Worth Fighting For
Let’s not forget—Scream isn’t just another slasher flick. It’s one of the most iconic horror series of all time, dating back to its 1996 debut under the legendary Wes Craven, with a sharp script by Kevin Williamson that helped redefine the genre for a new generation.
The franchise has seen ups and downs, reboots and revamps, but it’s always found a way to keep fans coming back. That’s why the recent turmoil felt like such a blow. This wasn’t just about behind-the-scenes politics—it was about what happens when a creative family falls apart.
Kevin Williamson Steps Up—And Brings Back a Familiar Face
But just when the franchise seemed to be on life support, something big happened in March 2024. Kevin Williamson, the original writer of Scream, made a major announcement on Instagram: He’s stepping in as director for Scream VII.
Even better? He’s bringing back none other than Neve Campbell to reprise her iconic role as Sidney Prescott. Cue the nostalgia!
“It’s been nearly 30 years since my very first script, Scream, was directed by the legendary Wes Craven,” Williamson wrote. “I never would have predicted what it would become. Or that I would be directing the seventh installment of the franchise.”
“I am overcome with gratitude and excitement, and I can’t wait to take this journey with Neve and the entire Scream family as we bring back Sidney Prescott in the next chapter of the Scream franchise.”
This is the kind of full-circle moment fans dream about. With Williamson at the helm and Campbell returning, the future of Scream suddenly looks a lot brighter.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
So here’s where things stand:
✅ Melissa Barrera is out
✅ Jenna Ortega is out
✅ Christopher Landon is out
✅ Kevin Williamson is in
✅ Neve Campbell is back
Talk about a plot twist.
There’s still a lot we don’t know—like who else might return or what the new story will be—but one thing’s for sure: this franchise isn’t dead yet. In fact, it might just be gearing up for its most meaningful comeback.
Final Thoughts: A Lesson in Loyalty and Reinvention
The Scream saga has always been about survival, and not just in the horror sense. What’s happening behind the scenes is a reflection of that same theme. The departure of two beloved stars and a director may have shaken things up, but it also opened the door for fresh storytelling and a renewed sense of purpose.
Jenna Ortega's loyalty to her team, Melissa Barrera’s resilience in the face of public scrutiny, and Kevin Williamson’s decision to return to his roots—these are the real stories behind the movie magic.
It’s not always pretty, but it's real. And that’s what keeps fans coming back: the mix of slasher thrills and raw humanity that has defined Scream from the very start.
Stay tuned. This next chapter could be the most revealing one yet.
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