Melissa Barrera opens up about ‘Scream’ firing: ‘Next page, next chapter’
Melissa Barrera was one of the first and most prominent actors to lose work for speaking out about the Israel-Hamas War when Spyglass Media dropped her from the “Scream” franchise over social media posts that were critical of the Israeli government and American media and expressed support for Palestinian people. Some, including Spyglass Media brass, believed the posts to be antisemitic. And so, after starring in two hit, franchise-reigniting “Scream” movies, Barrera was out, and would not be returning for “Scream 7.”
In a new interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Barrera reflects on the fallout from her removal from the “Scream” franchise. While she’s open to someday playing survivor Sam Carpenter again, she’s not holding her breath. “I’ve learned to never say never, but also a lot of things would have to happen for Sam to come back,” Barrera said. “For now, next page, next chapter, and then we’ll see what the future holds.”
Returning to “Scream” after seeming to be done with the franchise is not without precedent; Neve Campbell, who declined to appear in “Scream VI” over a pay dispute, will be back for “Scream 7” after the departures of Barrera, costar Jenna Ortega, and director Christopher Landon.
Barrera declined to say if she’s talked to Campbell about Campbell’s choice to return. But she said she has talked to Ortega, who in recent years has become arguably Hollywood’s biggest star under 25, about their exits from the franchise. “We chatted for a while, and I love her so much,” Barrera said. “She’s been very supportive of me, and we’re sisters for life.”
Barrera remains an outspoken supporter of Palestine, and stands by the messages that led to her firing from “Scream.” But still, she is unhappy about how it all went down. “It was just all sad because I really, deeply care about the franchise,” she said. “It’s just bad that it had to happen like that.”
She lost “Scream,” but Barrera has the support of others in the industry. Her “In the Heights” producer Lin-Manuel Miranda spoke on her behalf for the profile. And several unnamed agents and managers told THR that they do not think the controversy will harm Barrera’s career in the long term.
Barrera will next appear in “Abigail,” a horror film by “Scream 5” and “Scream 6” directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett that opens in theaters on April 19.
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