Scream 7 faces uncertainty as key cast members depart franchise

• Scream franchise faces uncertainty after Melissa Barrera's dismissal and Jenna Ortega's departure.

• Barrera was let go after expressing her opinion on social media.

• Ortega left due to scheduling conflicts and a demand for a higher paycheck.

Scream franchise faces uncertainty after Melissa Barrera's dismissal and Jenna Ortega's departure.

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In a shocking turn of events, the future of the beloved horror franchise, Scream, hangs in the balance. With the recent departures of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega from the seventh installment, fans can't help but wonder what is going on behind the scenes. It seems that trouble has been brewing for quite some time.

The tumultuous journey began when it was revealed that Barrera was let go by Spyglass after she voiced her opinions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on social media. This decision sparked chaos among fans and ignited a heated debate about the potential seventh film without Barrera's character, Sam. Little did we know that the troubles had already begun simmering before this incident.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Barrera's dismissal actually took place a month prior to the public controversy. It seems that her outspokenness was not well received by the powers that be. Just as fans were coming to terms with this news, another bombshell dropped. Ortega, who had become a horror cinema icon with her portrayal of Tara Carpenter, also announced that she would not be returning to the project. The reason? Scheduling conflicts with her commitment to Netflix's Wednesday.

However, recent reports suggest that Ortega's departure may have more to do with money than conflicting schedules. Apparently, the talented actress had not yet finalized her contract to return for Scream 7 because she demanded a significant increase in her paycheck. While she had previously received a six-figure sum for her work in the franchise, she now set her sights on a seven-figure deal and an advance payment. Unfortunately, these demands were denied by the studio, leading to her departure.

With both Barrera and Ortega out of the picture, panic began to spread among fans. But rumors started swirling that Spyglass might be considering bringing back the original Scream star, Neve Campbell. Though she had already made a comeback in the recent Scream 5, Campbell opted out of the sixth film due to financial disagreements with the studio. Despite not being part of the project, she had nothing but praise for the story and cast.

Another familiar face Spyglass is hoping to entice back into the Scream universe is Patrick Dempsey, who portrayed Detective Mark Kincaid in Scream 3. Since its revival, the franchise has successfully reunited many actors from previous installments, such as Courteney Cox, Hayden Panettiere, and David Arquette.

However, as surprising as it may seem, the involvement of these returning stars does not determine the fate of Scream 7, or so says Spyglass' head honcho, Gary Barber. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, a source revealed that Barber remains unfazed by their absence, stating, 'He didn't need Neve, he doesn't need Jenna.'

Currently, the entire script for Scream 7 is undergoing a complete overhaul. Originally, the film was set to revolve around the Carpenter sisters, but now, writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick are tasked with crafting a brand-new story.

As uncertain as the future of Scream may be, one thing is for sure – the franchise has left an indelible mark on the horror genre. Whether Barrera and Ortega's absence will be a fatal blow remains to be seen. Will Neve Campbell return to the iconic role that launched her career? Only time will tell.

For now, fans are left eagerly awaiting any updates on the progress of Scream 7. Will it rise from the ashes and deliver another bloodcurdling experience, or will it become another casualty of behind-the-scenes drama? Ghostface may be lurking in the shadows, but the fate of Scream lies in the hands of those who hold the bloody pen.