Los Angeles, CA – The premiere of “Scream 7” at Paramount Pictures Studios on Wednesday night was met with protests calling for a boycott of the film, stemming from the 2023 firing of former lead actress Melissa Barrera over social media posts deemed antisemitic. Demonstrators voiced concerns about the film industry’s response to political statements made by its stars and broader issues of representation and free speech.
The protests, reported by multiple news outlets including The Algemeiner, drew supporters from groups such as Entertainment Labor for Palestine and Musicians for Palestine. Protesters displayed Palestinian flags and carried signs with messages critical of Paramount Pictures and the state of Israel.
Among the signs held by demonstrators, some read “Paramount Whitewashes Genocide,” while others stated “Boycott Scream 7 Stand For Free Speech.” A particularly pointed sign read, “LAPD, KKK, IDF It’s All the Same,” drawing a comparison between Los Angeles law enforcement, the Ku Klux Klan and the Israel Defense Forces. Another sign accused Paramount of maintaining a “BLACKLIST of actors who criticize Israel.”
The Firing of Melissa Barrera
The controversy centers around Melissa Barrera, who had starred in the fifth and sixth installments of the “Scream” franchise. In November 2023, Spyglass Media Group, the production company behind the films, terminated her contract following a series of Instagram posts. These posts, as detailed by The Algemeiner, included descriptions of Israel as a “colonized” land, suggestions that the Jewish state exerts undue control over the media, accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians during the conflict with Hamas, and criticism of U.S. Financial aid to Israel. She also shared content that appeared to distort the history of the Holocaust.
Spyglass Media Group released a statement at the time asserting a “zero tolerance” policy for antisemitism and the incitement of hate, specifically condemning “false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”
Creative Shifts Behind the Camera
Barrera’s departure was followed by Jenna Ortega’s exit from the project, attributed to scheduling conflicts. Director Christopher Landon also left “Scream 7,” announcing his decision on X (formerly Twitter) with a message stating the project had become “a dream job that turned into a nightmare.” He added, “My heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But it’s time to move on.”
I was incredibly excited about taking on Scream 7. I loved the script. I thought it was a fresh take. But sometimes things don’t function out. And that’s ok. It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare. And my heart did break for everyone involved. Everyone. But it’s time to move on. https://t.co/jG0jWwJ99w
— Christopher Landon (@creetureshow) December 21, 2023
Kevin Williamson, the writer of the original 1996 “Scream” film, ultimately stepped in to direct the seventh installment, co-writing the script with Guy Busick. The film features the return of Neve Campbell, reprising her role as Sidney Prescott, alongside Courteney Cox, Mason Gooding, and other cast members. New additions to the cast include Isabel May, Celeste O’Connor, and McKenna Grace.
A Return to the Franchise’s Roots
According to Deadline, Williamson and Campbell collaborated on a vision for “Scream 7” that aims to recapture the suspense and horror elements of the original film, moving away from the increased gore seen in recent installments. Campbell reportedly expressed a desire to “reset” the franchise, focusing on the trauma experienced by her character, Sidney Prescott, and providing her with a satisfying conclusion.
Williamson explained in an excerpt from Ashley Cullins’ book, “Your Favorite Scary Movie: How the Scream Films Rewrote the Rules of Horror,” that Campbell felt it was the right time to refocus the story on Sidney’s life and return to the franchise’s roots. He added that giving Sidney “anything less than a happy ending is…sacrilegious.”
“Scream 7” is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, according to Wikipedia. The film’s plot reportedly centers around a new Ghostface targeting Sidney Prescott’s daughter.
The premiere protests highlight the ongoing complexities surrounding artistic expression, political activism, and the responsibilities of public figures. As “Scream 7” opens in theaters, the controversy surrounding its production is likely to continue to fuel discussion about the intersection of entertainment and social issues.
The film’s opening weekend box office numbers will be closely watched as an indicator of how the controversy impacts audience turnout. Paramount Pictures has not yet commented on the protests beyond standard security measures at the premiere.
