Jenna Ortega On Leaving Scream VII: Why She Walked Away From The Horror Franchise

Jenna Ortega, the breakout star of Netflix’s Wednesday and a rising name in horror, has finally shed light on her decision to exit the Scream franchise ahead of its seventh installment. Her departure in late 2023, following the controversial firing of co-star Melissa Barrera, sent shockwaves through the horror community. Now, Ortega’s candid explanation reveals it wasn’t about money or time—it was about loyalty and timing.

A Bond Beyond the Script

In an interview with The Cut, Ortega opened up about her choice to leave Scream VII. “It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling,” she said. “The Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart. 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.” You can read the full interview here. Her words underscore a deep connection to the creative team behind Scream VI, including directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, and the cast she’d grown close to.

The Melissa Barrera Fallout

The “Melissa stuff” refers to the high-profile dismissal of Melissa Barrera, who played Sam Carpenter in Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023), over social media posts about the Israel-Palestine conflict. Barrera’s exit in November 2023 sparked outrage among fans and reportedly led to a domino effect within the production. Just a day later, news broke that Ortega wouldn’t return either, fueling speculation about her motives. While initial reports suggested scheduling conflicts with Wednesday Season 2, Ortega’s recent comments clarify it was a deliberate stand tied to the upheaval.

A Franchise at a Crossroads

Scream VII was poised to build on the success of its predecessors, which revitalized the slasher series with fresh blood—literally and figuratively. Ortega’s Tara Carpenter and Barrera’s Sam were central to the “Core Four,” a new generation of survivors fans had embraced. Losing both actresses left the film’s future uncertain, with directors Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin also stepping away, replaced by Kevin Williamson and Guy Busick. For Ortega, the shift away from the team she’d bonded with was a dealbreaker, reflecting her commitment to projects that align with her values and relationships.

Jenna’s Next Moves

Since leaving Scream, Ortega has kept busy. She’s fresh off filming Wednesday Season 2 in Dublin and recently starred in A24’s Death of a Unicorn, a dark comedy-horror alongside Paul Rudd that hit theaters in March 2025. Her career trajectory—from Disney Channel to horror royalty—shows a star unafraid to pivot when the fit isn’t right. Walking away from Scream VII wasn’t just a reaction to chaos; it was a calculated step for an actress prioritizing authenticity over franchise loyalty.

What’s Next for Scream?

With Ortega and Barrera out, Scream VII will focus on Sidney Prescott, with Neve Campbell reprising her role, and is expected to be a tribute to the entire franchise, potentially exploring the legacy of the Ghostface killer and bringing back characters like Stu Macher and Roman Bridger.

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