Jenna Ortega Exits 'Scream VII

Jenna Ortega Exits 'Scream VII 

In a development following Spyglass's termination of Melissa Barrera from the project, it's now confirmed that Jenna Ortega won't be returning for the latest installment of the horror movie series, 'Scream VII'.

The departure of these two pivotal leads, essential in rejuvenating the aging franchise, leaves its future uncertain. While Christopher Landon remains attached as director for the time being, Spyglass's subsequent actions remain ambiguous.

Reports clarify that Ortega's exit isn't linked to Barrera's termination, which stemmed from numerous social media posts referencing the Israel-Hamas conflict. Ortega's representatives had reportedly informed Spyglass before the actor's strike that she, one of the prominent rising stars in Hollywood over the past decade, wouldn't be returning. Multiple sources suggest that the actress either didn't have a contract or, during renegotiations, demanded what the studio deemed an excessive amount. Previously, Spyglass had declined to bring back original franchise star Neve Campbell after she sought a substantial raise for 'Scream VI'. (Campbell later expressed, "I couldn't work on set... feeling undervalued.")

Barrera and Ortega portrayed sisters in the franchise since 2022's 'Scream'. Following the release of that film, Ortega rapidly ascended as a significant star due to her role in Netflix's successful series 'Wednesday' and was considered a linchpin for the 'Scream' series.

The 2022 'Scream' rejuvenated the series by blending younger talents like Barrera and Ortega with established stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette. The film earned $137.7 million globally. Its sequel, 'Scream VI', set in New York, grossed over $168.9 million worldwide.