In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, recent developments surrounding the production of ‘Scream 7’ have sparked widespread debate and controversy. Jenna Ortega, the young star acclaimed for her role in Netflix’s ‘Merlina,’ finds herself at the center of a storm following the dismissal of her co-star Melissa Barrera. Barrera’s removal from the project, reportedly due to her stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict, has led to a cascade of reactions, including Ortega’s rumoured contemplation of leaving the franchise.
The news broke that Mexican actress Melissa Barrera was dismissed from ‘Scream 7′ after expressing support for Palestine. Amid the ongoing armed conflict between Palestine and Israel, Barrera’s stance did not align with the producers’ views. Barrera clarified that she was not justifying Hamas’s terrorist attacks but sought to raise awareness about the civilian population.
In solidarity, Jenna Ortega, who rose to fame with ‘Merlina’, is reportedly considering abandoning the horror series. Sources from Entertainment Tonight indicate that Ortega has been in talks with her representatives and lawyers to terminate her contract with the ‘Scream’ franchise. This move directly responds to Barrera’s dismissal and her stance on the Palestine-Israel conflict.
The situation has caused a stir on social media, with many users supporting Ortega and Barrera. There are calls to boycott ‘Scream 7’, urging fans and the general public to avoid watching the film upon its release.
Addressing the controversy, ‘Scream 7’ director Christopher Landon stated, “Everything sucks. Stop screaming. This was not my decision.” He shifted the responsibility to the production house Spyglass, which has a zero-tolerance policy against hate speech, including alleged anti-Semitic comments. Spyglass’s statement emphasized their stance against any form of hate incitement, including Holocaust distortion and ethnic cleansing.
However, a twist in the narrative emerges from a Deadline report, suggesting Ortega’s departure from ‘Scream 7’ is not solely due to Barrera’s firing. The report hints at pre-existing scheduling conflicts, exacerbated by the unfinished script for ‘Scream 7’. Ortega’s commitments to the second season of ‘Merlina’ in Ireland and the additional shooting days for ‘Beetlejuice’ due to the Hollywood strike are believed to be the real reasons behind her exit.
The saga surrounding ‘Scream 7’ encapsulates the complexities of Hollywood politics and the personal convictions of its stars. Jenna Ortega’s rumoured departure, initially seen as a gesture of solidarity with Melissa Barrera, is intertwined with professional commitments and scheduling challenges. As the story unfolds, it underscores the delicate balance between personal beliefs and professional obligations in the entertainment industry.
