'Scream' franchise faces major shakeups ahead of seventh film

The iconic Scream franchise is undergoing significant changes as it prepares for its seventh installment, following the departure of two of its leading stars.

Melissa Barrera, who portrayed Sam Carpenter, was fired in November 2023, while Jenna Ortega, known for playing Tara Carpenter, exited due to scheduling conflicts with Netflix’s Wednesday.

The Scream series, which debuted in 1996, became a staple of the horror genre with its mix of suspense, humor and meta-commentary.

According to US Weekly, the franchise originally centered on Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) and her battles against various killers donning the Ghostface mask, alongside allies Gala Weather (Courteney Cox) and Dewey Riley (David Arquette).

Over the years, the franchise evolved with new protagonists, including Barrera and Ortega in the 2022 revival.

Moreover, Ortega’s departure due to prior commitments dealt another blow to the franchise’s “Core Four” leaving Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding as the remaining central cast members.

As per the publication, despite the setbacks, Scream VII is moving forward with notable returns and creative shifts.

Neve Campbell announced her comeback as Sidney Prescott after skipping Scream VI, while Courteney Cox confirmed her reprisal as Gale Weathers.

Original Scream writer Kevin Williamson is set to direct the next installment taking over from Christopher Landon, who departed the project in late 2023.

Furthermore, new faces are also joining the cast, including 1883 star Isabel May as Sidney’s daughter, and The Boys actor Asa Germann in an undisclosed role.

As the franchise navigates these upheavals, fans are left speculating on the future of the Ghostface and the unresolved storylines, including the popular theory surrounding Stu Macher’s potential return.