Movies

Scream 7 Director Quit Over ‘Deadly’ Threats After Star’s Firing

BBG News

According to director Christopher Landon, he was compelled to leave the production of Scream 7 following the dismissal of Melissa Barrera, as this decision led to him receiving threatening messages.

Barrie was removed from the Scream series due to comments she made concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict, which were perceived as anti-Semitic. Originally, Barrera and Jenna Ortega were expected to feature in Scream 7; however, both actresses exited the project for reasons related to these controversial statements.

In December 2023, Landon officially parted ways with the Wes Craven and Kevin Williamson series; during an honest conversation with Vanity Fair, he shared his experiences of being subjected to mistreatment related to the movie.

He shared: ‘It was an intensely stormy and disconcerting ordeal. For some time, I was left bewildered and stunned, but now I find myself in a position where I can discuss it openly because I managed to transform that difficult situation into something beneficial.’

I faced a terrifying situation where individuals threatened to harm me and my loved ones so severely that the FBI had to intervene. The chilling messages I received stated, “I intend to locate your children, and I will take their lives because of your stance on child homicide.

At multiple film studios and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the heads of security were tasked with scrutinizing the menacing threats. They were incredibly hostile and genuinely terrifying.

Landon explained that the movie collapsed unexpectedly once both Barrera and Ortega were absent, and he made it clear that he did not dismiss Barrera due to the rumors circulating online suggesting it was his decision.

Landon was motivated to continue serving as the director following the departures and re-initiate the movie project. However, he eventually chose to channel his efforts into another endeavor where he could experience gratitude and respect.

Currently, Williamson is leading the production of Scream 7. This upcoming movie will feature experienced actors such as Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, along with recurring stars like Matthew Lillard, Scott Foley, and David Arquette.

The beginning of Barrera’s professional decline can be traced back to her Instagram Stories posts from November 2023, where she referred to the ongoing conflict as “genocide” and “ethnic cleansing,” and stated that Gaza was being managed similarly to a concentration camp.

Last year, Spyglass Media Group, the production firm responsible for the upcoming Scream VII, confirmed Barrera’s departure from the horror series through a public statement.

Spyglass firmly states that it has no tolerance whatsoever for antisemitism or any form of hate-mongering, such as misrepresentations about genocide, ethnic cleansing, manipulation of Holocaust history, or anything that clearly exceeds the boundaries into hate speech.

Barrera on November 23, 2023 posted a statement on Instagram Stories about her firing.

In the first place, I strongly denounce antisemitism and Islamophobia. Above all, I stand against hatred and bias towards any community of individuals.

She emphasized that individuals themselves should not be equated with their leaders, and no authority should escape scrutiny. In the same breath, she expressed her heartfelt hopes for an end to casualties, a halt in aggression, and a harmonious coexistence among people.

I’ll keep on voicing for those who require it the most and will persist in promoting peace, security, human rights, and liberty.

In December 2023, Landon shared the news: ‘Given the circumstances, I believe now is an appropriate moment to disclose that I parted ways with Scream 7 a few weeks earlier. Some may be disheartened by this, while others might rejoice. It was a cherished opportunity that unfortunately turned into a harrowing experience for me. My sympathies extend to every single person affected, including myself. However, it’s time for us all to embark on new journeys.’

He stated, ‘I don’t have anything else to contribute to this discussion other than my hope that Wes’ impact continues to flourish above the chaos of a fractured world. The work that Wes and Kevin accomplished is truly remarkable, and I felt privileged to share, if only for a moment, in their brilliance.’

At that moment, Landon disassociated himself from Barrera’s dismissal, expressing through a now-removed tweet: ‘Things are not going well. Please be calm. This was not a choice I had to make.’

Ortega chose to leave her position, a decision agreed upon with her representatives, before this summer’s SAG-AFTRA strike. However, it wasn’t until last month that news of her departure became public.

She reportedly had conflicts due to her Wednesday Season 2 shooting schedule.

Read More

2025-04-09 21:05

Previous post Elder Scrolls Oblivion: Best Witchhunter Build
Next post VALORANT Ascension teams finally get their 2025 VCT Team Capsules