Despite already being signed to Scream 7, lead actress Melissa Barrera was fired last week. The reason was statements on social media that those responsible for the film series interpreted as anti-Semitic. Immediately afterwards it was announced that Jenna Ortega would also leave the horror series. It soon became clear that it was not a solidarity action, but that the busy schedule did not allow her to return. But the real reasons may be monetary.
At least that is what the usually very well-informed trade magazine now reports . Unlike Barrera, Ortega didn’t yet have a contract for the seventh film in the hit horror series… and was likely determined to capitalize on her increased fame. After all, since the success of the hit Netflix series ‘Wednesday’, she has become one of the hottest young actresses in Hollywood.
Jenna Ortega probably wanted a lot more money
According to that Ortega received a six-figure sum for her performances in “Scream 5” and “Scream 6.” According to the magazine’s sources, she has now demanded “a high seven-figure sum” – a salary in the millions and probably even closer to nine than a million dollars. Ortega assumed the production company Spyglass would give in… but she probably did the math without company boss Gary Barber, who is known for his thrift.
He famously stood tough when “Scream” icon Neve Campbell demanded more money to play Sidney Prescott again for “Scream 6.” Many assumed at the time that the horror film would suffer at the box office due to this absence. The opposite was the case. With sales of almost $169 million, it not only significantly surpassed its predecessor (nearly $138 million), but also achieved the best result since the original.
Is the “Scream” series bigger than its stars?
According to an insider Barber is said to have come to the conclusion that the series does not need stars or high salaries: It works without Neve Campbell, then it works without Jenna Ortega, was the conclusion. The franchise is bigger than the people involved, which is probably the idea behind it.
Only time will tell if this is true. According to many experts, Ortega’s fame, which attracted her fans to the cinemas, contributed to the increased revenue of “Scream 6”. But to show if it still works well without them, ‘Scream 7’ has to come first. And that is no longer that simple.
“Scream 5”, “Scream 6” & “Scream 7” – a planned Carpenter trilogy?
For the people now responsible for ‘Scream 7’ (like director Christopher Landon, who is probably not happy with the situation), the departure of the actresses is causing a lot of headaches. The namely reports, that author James Vanderbilt actually had some kind of trilogy in mind for ‘Scream 5’, ‘Scream 6’ and ‘Scream 7’.which focused on the Carpenter sisters Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara (Jenna Ortega).
Barrera’s dismissal wouldn’t have been a problem in itself, as the narrative could have easily shifted to Ortega, who was already more prominent. Without both actresses, it may now be necessary to start over.
“A complete mess” – but we believe: “Scream 7” is not in danger!
It’s a “terrifying time for the franchise,” he writes so his article and quotes Insider, who describes the current situation as a “mess.” Fans should therefore be very concerned:
“Scream 7” will likely be delayed significantly at the very leastmight the film even be in danger?
Such a completely black painting is probably an exaggeration. After all, the series has already managed to present itself with different faces. “Scream 7” should happen despite all the current problems.