What you need to know:
“Scream VII” seemed to be in trouble. But the announcement of Neve Campbell’s return could save the franchise.
Do you remember all the chaos that ensued during production? Scream VII? We refer to the departure of Melissa Barrera, followed by that of Jenna Ortega (the two protagonists). And to finish grinding it a few weeks later Director Christopher Landon He announced that he would also leave the ship.
Practically the most important elements of the delivery of Scream, they went. Thus Paramount has been left behind with its massive franchise, which also represents one of its biggest release bets for 2025. It was believed that only one person could save the project… and that was it Neve Campbell.
The actress who He appeared in the first four parts directed by Wes CravenHe made an appearance in the fifth film. And then, announced that he would not return for anotherfulfilling his promise Scream VI in which we saw Courtney Cox, David Arquette, Hayden Panettiere and some appearances from Skeet Ulrich. But nothing from Campbell.
We are doing this count because this was just announced Campbell will return Scream VII. And everything points to this being the only way the audience could show interest in this episode after the departure of its main protagonists (which occurred amid much controversy).
The return of Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott
The news is bigger because not only Neve Campbell’s return as Sidney Scott is announced Scream, but it does so alongside one of the most important elements of the first installments of the franchise. Is about Kevin Williamson, who wrote the screenplay Scream until Scream 4.
And how does it come back? It turns out that Williamson returns as director rather than screenwriter Scream VII. The announcement was made on Campbell’s social media, where we can see Williamson’s name as director; the one from Guy Busick as screenwriter; and that of James Vanderbilt and Busick as those responsible for the story.
However. They need to know that Busick took over the scripts for Ghostface’s return Scream from 2022 and Scream VI from 2023. So overall we can say that the story is in good hands… but it’s still strange that the story doesn’t focus more on the Carpenter sisters, because What will happen to the remaining characters, for example the Meeks-Martin brothers?
How was the whole thing with Scream VII?
That is undeniable Scream It is one of the most successful franchises of all time both at the box office and critically (at least for most titles). The first four parts, as we already told you, were directed by Wes Craven, and since the premiere in 1996 Together with the character Ghostface, they rethought the slasher genre.
10 years after these four deliveries of Scream, In 2022, Paramount revived the franchise with the help of directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett… And yes, they once again made a lot of money at the box office and also received positive reviews.
For these last two films The protagonists changed and we saw the Mexican Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega as the Carpenter sisters. who have a family connection to Billy Loomis, the original Ghostface, and from this a whole meta-story about horror films, slashers and a new breathing space for the figure of the murderer emerged.
Melissa Barrera’s farewell to Scream VII
After the success, they gave the green light a seventh part in which we would see Barrera and Ortega again. But the unexpected happened: little by little, the most important parts of the film came out… or were taken out. It depends on which side you tell the story from.
It happened like this. Melissa Barrera will be leaving production in November 2023 Scream VII. The reason? The Mexican actress took to her social networks and published some comments on the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
“Why would a terrorist organization do this while a government only acts in self-defense? Why are dark-skinned people terrorists, but white governments that do the same thing are not?“Barrera published a number of stories.
The departure of Jenna Ortega
Almost immediately, It was announced that Jenna Ortega is leaving the project Scream VII. Rumors suggested that this act was done in solidarity with Barrera, but it was soon said that it was contrary to his plans.
At the same time they were planning to shoot the film, Ortega was scheduled to be on set for the second season of Merlinathe series in which he stars for Netflix directed by Tim Burton. Another great project from Ortega is the sequel to Beetlejuice along with Burton himself featuring the return of Michael Keaton to the iconic character.
And then… the director’s departure
This was announced in August 2023 Christopher Landona director very interested in horror and slashers (particularly with a comedy and satire perspective), would come into effect with the direction Scream VII. The news was well received by all fans and the project was launched.
But soon everything collapsed. A month after Barrera and Ortega left, Landon announced his departure from the film project. “This will disappoint some and delight others. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare.. It broke my heart for everyone involved. All. But it’s time to move on“.
This is what Landon wrote on his X account: in reference to what happened to Melissa Barrera when she was fired.
