Melissa Barrera reveals what it would take to return to 'Scream' nearly 3 years after her firing
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Melissa Barrera, aka Sam Carpenter, is ready to be chased by Ghostface again, but she has one condition. The 'Scream' franchise actress says she is still open to returning to the horror franchise, but only if the franchise changes hands first.
Her return could be possible if the franchise moves away from Spyglass Media Group. However, Barrera believes the chances are slim, though she doesn’t consider it completely impossible. The production house fired her from 'Scream 7' in November 2023.
Melissa Barrera opens up about what could bring her back to the 'Scream' franchise
The 'Scream 5' and 'Scream 6' actress opened up during an interview with JustWatch, saying, “Not with the company that currently holds the rights,” when asked if she would return if she received a call to reprise her role.
“I love the franchise. I had an amazing time making those movies, but a lot of the hate and difficulty that I've faced in the last years is because the leadership of that company made it a point to label me something that I'm not,” Barrera shared.
“And they never apologized, even when I was proven right. Even with an apology, I wouldn't go back to work with them – not that I'm holding my breath. I don't think they have that ability,” Barrera said, explaining that she still “loves the franchise,” but her decision to stay away from another encounter with Ghostface is rooted in her experience with the company behind the films.
Why did Spyglass fire Melissa Barrera from the 'Scream' franchise
Barrera was set to return for the seventh installment alongside Jenna Ortega but was fired by Spyglass in November 2023 over social media posts expressing support for Palestine. At the time, the production company said it had “zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate.”
Following her firing, the actress wrote, “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,” she added.
The 'Scream' rights holder’s decision to fire Barrera faced backlash at the time, with criticism centered on the circumstances surrounding her dismissal and her pro-Palestinian social media posts. According to IGN, the actress had helped bring the slasher franchise back to theaters after a decade.
Following Barrera’s departure, her 'Wednesday' co-star Ortega also exited the franchise. Director Christopher Landon later confirmed his departure, just a month after Spyglass fired Barrera.
