Jenna Ortega’s decision not to return for the upcoming ‘Scream VII’ has sent ripples through Hollywood and sparked a flurry of speculation. This news emerges just as Spyglass Media Group, the production company behind the ‘Scream’ series, terminated Melissa Barrera’s contract over her social media posts related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The official reason for Ortega’s exit is cited as scheduling conflicts with her role in the second season of ‘Wednesday,’ yet the proximity of these two events has fueled rumors and conjectures.
A Brief Overview of the Inciting Incidents
Spyglass Media Group’s action against Barrera was a response to her Instagram posts supporting Palestine amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel. The company stated that they have a “zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate,” and considered Barrera’s posts, which included accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing against Israel, as crossing the line into hate speech. Barrera, known for her portrayal of Sam Carpenter in the fifth and sixth ‘Scream’ movies, had been actively voicing her concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Ortega’s Stand: A Question of Solidarity?
Jenna Ortega, who played Tara, Barrera’s half-sister in the franchise, has also been vocal about the situation in Gaza. While Variety reports that her departure from the franchise was not influenced by Barrera’s firing, the timing has raised eyebrows. There’s been speculation that Ortega requested to end her contract in solidarity with Barrera, but this remains unconfirmed.
The Reaction of ‘Scream VII’ Director
Christopher Landon, slated to direct ‘Scream VII,’ expressed his frustration with the unfolding events on Twitter. His tweet, “Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make,” which was later deleted, reflects the complex emotions surrounding these developments.
Impact on ‘Scream VII’ and Beyond
The departure of both Ortega and Barrera from ‘Scream VII’ poses significant challenges for the franchise, both in terms of casting and public perception. This situation underscores the complex intersection of politics, social media, and the entertainment industry. As the story continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Spyglass Media Group will navigate these turbulent waters and what impact this will have on the future of the ‘Scream’ series.
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