Melissa Barrera, who played Sam Carpenter in Scream (2022) and its sequel, has opened up about the personal and professional toll of being dropped from Scream 7 a year after the decision. In October 2023, Barrera was let go from the franchise following controversial social media comments she made about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
While promoting her new musical comedy, Your Monster, Barrera called the year since her firing “the darkest and hardest” of her life. She admitted that at times, she felt as if her “life was over,” as her career came to a standstill. The actress revealed that following her dismissal, she faced a “quiet” period lasting about 10 months, with major studios distancing themselves from her despite some small offers. During that time, Barrera focused on promoting Abigail, a film she had completed before her Scream exit.
Barrera’s Career Rebound
Despite the setbacks, Barrera is now making a comeback. Having contemplated diversifying her career even before her firing, she is set to star in the new Western thriller, In the Cradle of Granite, and is also working on an untitled thriller series for Peacock, alongside James Wan and Simu Liu.
The Impact on Scream 7
Barrera’s departure isn’t the only challenge facing Scream 7. Jenna Ortega also dropped out of the film due to scheduling conflicts, leaving the franchise without two of its central characters. Meanwhile, Neve Campbell, who was absent from Scream 6 due to a salary dispute, is set to return for the new installment. However, Barrera and Ortega’s absence creates a significant gap, as their characters—Sam and Tara—were crucial to the success of the rebooted series.
As Scream 7 moves forward, it remains in talks with Isabel May to play Sidney Prescott’s daughter, adding another layer of complexity to the film’s evolving timeline. With a 2026 release date, the franchise faces the challenge of reimagining its core dynamic in a post-Barrera, post-Ortega world.
Challenges Ahead for Scream 7
The absence of Barrera and Ortega is sure to leave a noticeable void in Scream 7, and the franchise will need to think creatively to fill that gap. Neve Campbell’s return provides a degree of continuity, but it remains to be seen whether her presence alone will be enough to compensate for the loss of two key characters. With new characters on the horizon and significant shifts in the franchise’s core, Scream 7 has a lot of work ahead of its 2026 release.
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