**Scream 7 Release Set for February 2026 Amid Controversy Surrounding Melissa Barrera’s Departure**
The highly anticipated *Scream 7* is finally slated for theatrical release in February 2026, arriving more than two years after the unexpected firing of Melissa Barrera from the project. When news of her exit broke, horror fans were shocked, with some vowing to boycott the upcoming installment. However, with original final girl Neve Campbell and fan favorites like Matthew Lillard returning to the franchise, many remain excited to see Ghostface unleash terror once again.
**Melissa Barrera’s Role in the Scream Franchise**
Melissa Barrera has appeared in two *Scream* films: 2022’s *Scream* and 2023’s *Scream VI*, portraying Samantha “Sam” Carpenter. Her character quickly became a fan favorite, making her sudden removal from *Scream 7* all the more surprising.
**Why Was Melissa Barrera Fired From Scream 7?**
Spyglass Media reportedly fired Melissa Barrera due to her public comments regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. In one of her Instagram Stories, Melissa wrote:
*“Gaza is currently being treated like a concentration camp. Cornering everyone together, with nowhere to go, no electricity, no water. People have learnt nothing from our histories. And just like our histories, people are still silently watching it all happen. THIS IS GENOCIDE & ETHNIC CLEANSING.”*
Following the backlash, Spyglass Media released an official statement to *Variety* through a spokesperson:
*“Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”*
**Director Christopher Landon Clarifies He Did Not Fire Melissa**
Contrary to some rumors, original *Scream 7* director Christopher Landon was not responsible for Melissa’s firing. Addressing the situation on social media, Landon tweeted:
*“This is my statement: Everything sucks. Stop yelling. This was not my decision to make.”*
**Melissa Barrera’s Response to Her Firing**
Melissa addressed the controversy and her dismissal in a heartfelt message, beginning with:
*“First and foremost, I condemn Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I condemn hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.”*
She continued:
*“As a Latina, a proud Mexicana, I feel the responsibility of having a platform that allows me the privilege of being heard, and therefore, I have tried to use it to raise awareness about issues I care about and to lend my voice to those in need.”*
Melissa also emphasized the importance of human rights for all:
*“Every person on this earth regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status deserves equal human rights, dignity and, of course, freedom.”*
She added:
*“I believe a group of people are NOT their leadership, and that no governing body should be above criticism. I pray day and night for no more deaths, for no more violence, and for peaceful co-existence. I will continue to speak out for those that need it most and continue to advocate for peace and safety, for human rights and freedom. Silence is not an option for me.”*
**Why Is Jenna Ortega Not in Scream 7?**
Initial reports suggested Jenna Ortega left *Scream 7* due to scheduling conflicts with other projects, such as *Wednesday*. However, in an April 2025 interview with *The Cut*, Jenna clarified:
*“It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling. The Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart.”*
She further explained that multiple key figures had exited the film:
*“Not only did filmmaker Christopher exit the film, but directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin also left after I stepped down.”*
Jenna summed up her decision by saying:
*“If Scream VII wasn’t going to be with that team of directors and those people I fell in love with, then it didn’t seem like the right move for me in my career at the time.”*
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The *Scream* franchise is undoubtedly navigating a turbulent chapter, but with iconic faces returning and fans eagerly awaiting its release, February 2026 promises an intense and thrilling comeback for Ghostface.
https://hollywoodlife.com/feature/why-was-melissa-barrera-fired-scream-7-5483207/