Doubt Cast on Departure Timing: Jenna Ortega Exits Scream VII Amidst Questions Over Scheduling Conflicts
The Scream horror franchise, experiencing a revival with Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega at the forefront, is facing uncertainties as both actresses exit the upcoming Scream VII, raising questions about the franchise’s future.
According to Deadline, Jenna Ortega’s departure is attributed to scheduling conflicts, with discussions about her exit reportedly predating the American actors’ union strike that commenced in July.
Reportedly, Ortega’s busy schedule includes reshoots for the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel and the production of season 2 of Wednesday, set to begin in Ireland in April 2024 and extend into the summer.
Ortega played Tara Carpenter in 2022’s Scream (Scream V) and this year’s Scream VI, alongside Melissa Barrera’s character Sam Carpenter, both targeted by the new Ghostface killer.
Despite Deadline citing scheduling conflicts for Ortega’s departure, fans express skepticism, suspecting a connection to Melissa Barrera’s recent firing over social media posts on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Fans on social media questioned the timing of Ortega’s exit, with one stating, “You really expect me to believe Jenna walking less than 24 hours after Melissa’s firing is a coincidence, when she herself is also openly pro-Palestine?! GET REAL!!!”
Others doubted the official explanation, suggesting it as a cover-up for Ortega’s decision to leave the franchise following Barrera’s dismissal.
“I don’t know about scheduling conflicts. Just sounds like a good cover for her deciding to drop out of the film the day after her friend and co-star Melissa Barrera was wrongfully fired,” commented one fan.
Amidst speculation, a fan asserted, “Scream is nothing without Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera.
