"Scream Franchise Faces Casting Shake-Up as Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera Depart"

The firing of Melissa Barrera and the exit of Jenna Ortega from the upcoming seventh Scream movie have raised questions about potential delays and creative changes. Barrera was fired due to social media posts during the Israel-Hamas war, while Ortega left due to scheduling issues and a desire for a higher payday. Spyglass head Gary Barber has a reputation for being shrewd with salaries, as seen with the departure of Neve Campbell from Scream VI. Despite the casting shakeup, the franchise has a history of interchangeable villains and ensemble casts, so another reboot may not be detrimental. Christopher Landon remains as director, and James Vanderbilt continues as co-writer.