Fans Outraged by ‘Scream 7’ Trailer After Melissa Barrera’s Firing, Calls for Boycott Grow

The release of the first trailer for Scream 7 has sparked a wave of criticism online, largely due to the ongoing controversy surrounding Melissa Barrera’s exit from the franchise.

Barrera, who played Sam Carpenter in Scream (2022) and Scream VI, was reportedly removed from the seventh installment because of her public comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict and the “atrocities being committed against Palestinians.”

Following Barrera’s departure, co-star Jenna Ortega also left the project. Ortega later explained in an April 2025 interview that her exit wasn’t due to scheduling conflicts, but rather because “the Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart. If Scream VII wasn’t going to be with that team of directors and those people I fell in love with, then it didn’t seem like the right move for me in my career at the time.”

The production reportedly underwent a creative retooling to bring back other franchise actors, including Neve Campbell and Patrick Dempsey.

I’m gonna burn it all down. Watch the Official Trailer for Scream 7 – Only in theatres February 27, 2026. pic.twitter.com/jAezh4yn15

— Scream (@ScreamMovies) October 30, 2025

Director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett were originally attached to the film, but Bettinelli-Olpin’s departure was confirmed in December 2023. He cited Barrera’s firing as a key reason, stating that “without Barrera the film I had signed on to direct no longer existed.”

Despite his lack of involvement in the studio’s decision, Bettinelli-Olpin faced serious online harassment from some fans, with threats targeting him and his family, prompting FBI involvement.

Now, nearly two years later, the backlash is resurfacing as fans reacted strongly to the trailer on social media. Many criticized the studio for removing Barrera, saying it undermined the story and alienated fans.

One viewer wrote, “This could have been cool, if they didn’t majorly screw up by firing Melissa Barrera over speaking out against genocide. On a story level, losing Carpenter sisters is a huge L, and while this seems to have some good ideas, it feels trapped in the weak side of the series.”

Others directly called for a boycott: “So we are boycotting Scream 7. Spyglass fired Melissa Barrera from this franchise for calling out Israel’s genocide in Palestine! BDS supports!” Some pointed out ongoing concerns about the studio’s actions, adding, “Don’t forget what Paramount did with Melissa Barrera just for sharing a message of peace.”

The controversy surrounding Barrera’s firing and the subsequent reaction to the Scream 7 trailer highlights the passionate feelings of fans about casting decisions and the intersection of entertainment and political statements.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!