Christopher Landon Shares Insights on Scream 7 Controversy
In a revealing interview with Vanity Fair, director Christopher Landon opened up about the turmoil surrounding the production of Scream 7, particularly the firing of lead actress Melissa Barrera. This decision was made public in November 2023 amidst heightened tensions related to Barrera’s social media comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict, a move that set off a chain reaction of fallout within the film’s cast and crew.
Chaos Unfolds
Landon vividly described the moment he learned about Barrera’s termination, noting that the news hit him hard. He depicted it as a moment where everything “came tumbling down in an instant.”The situation escalated when co-star Jenna Ortega chose to step away from the project, creating a ripple effect of negativity and escalated tensions.
Threats and Safety Concerns
The fallout from these decisions took a dangerous turn, leading to severe backlash against Landon himself. He recounted receiving death threats, stating, “People were threatening to kill me and my family, to the point where the FBI was getting involved.” The director revealed that the threats were taken seriously enough that security officials had to investigate further. “I got messages saying, ‘I’m going to find your kids, and I’m going to kill them because you support child murder,'” he shared, underscoring the volatile environment surrounding the film.
Clarifying the Misconceptions
Despite the backlash, Landon firmly distanced himself from the decision to fire Barrera, clarifying, “I did not fire her. A lot of people think I had something to do with it, and it was not my doing. I had no control of the situation at all.” He emphasized the external factors that led to this unfortunate turn of events.
Jenna Ortega’s Departure
Reflecting on her own choice to leave the project, Ortega stated, “It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling. The Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart.” Her comments highlighted the chaotic climate that engulfed the production.
Moving Forward
Faced with escalating hostility and abuse, Landon ultimately decided to step away from Scream 7, expressing that the negative experience had tainted his enthusiasm for the film. “The abuse really spoiled it for me, and I lost my love for the idea of going forward,” he confessed.
New Beginnings
However, Landon has since redirected his focus to his latest project, Drop, which is set to be released in theaters this Friday. The film has already garnered positive reviews, a possible silver lining amid a challenging chapter in his career. Meanwhile, Scream 7 is slated for a February 2024 release, directed by Kevin Williamson, with legacy stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette returning to the franchise.