Key Takeaways
- Jenna Ortega’s exit from Scream 7 is linked to director and co-star departures, rather than financial or scheduling conflicts.
- Her decision to leave stems from a desire to collaborate with the original creative team behind the franchise.
- Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox are confirmed to reprise their iconic roles in the next installment, slated for a 2026 release.
Jenna Ortega, a prominent figure in contemporary cinema known for her role as Wednesday Addams in the Netflix sensation Wednesday, has opted out of the highly anticipated Scream 7. This decision comes after her successful appearances in the franchise’s previous two installments. At just 22, Ortega has experienced meteoric growth in her career, making this choice particularly noteworthy.
Following her acclaimed portrayal of the eerie yet complex character in Wednesday, Ortega’s trajectory has shifted, as shown by her recent announcement in 2023 regarding her role as a producer for Season 2 of the series. This move indicates her desire for greater creative control in her projects, a sentiment echoed in her involvement in other notable films such as Death of a Unicorn and the horror-comedy The Babysitter: Killer Queen.
Jenna Ortega’s Insight on Leaving Scream 7
In a revealing interview with The Cut, Ortega clarified the circumstances surrounding her departure from Scream 7. Contrary to speculation surrounding compensation or scheduling issues, she stated, “it had nothing to do with pay or scheduling.”
Ortega cited the exits of both co-star Melissa Barrera and directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin as pivotal factors in her decision. She expressed that the shifting dynamics made her feel as though the essence of the Scream franchise was disintegrating, stating, “The Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart.”
Reflecting on the changes, she noted, “If Scream 7 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.”
The situation surrounding Barrera became tense in 2024 when she was dismissed from the franchise following controversial remarks related to Israel. In a subsequent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Barrera described the emotional toll this period had on her, emphasizing the crucial support from her close circle, particularly Ortega, who remained a steadfast friend during the upheaval.
As Scream 7 gears up for its release on February 27, 2026, the franchise welcomes back legacy characters like Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott and Courteney Cox reprising her role as Gale Weathers. Other returning cast members include Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown, portraying siblings Chad and Mindy Meeks-Martin. The film will also introduce new faces such as Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor, and Anna Camp, adding fresh dynamics to the established storyline.
Source: The Cut