Jenna Ortega’s Exit from the Scream Franchise: Revelations and Reasons
Jenna Ortega’s rise to fame has transcended the Scream franchise, with exciting new projects including the much-anticipated Wednesday Season 2, a co-starring role in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, and her involvement in the recently released A24 film Death of a Unicorn. However, her departure from the popular slasher series raised eyebrows, especially following the dismissal of her co-star Melissa Barrera due to controversial social media comments in support of Palestine. This situation has left fans wondering about the behind-the-scenes dynamics at play.
Conflicting Schedules: Jenna Ortega’s Busy Calendar
Initially, there was speculation that Ortega’s filming commitments for Wednesday intersected with the potential timeline for Scream 7. Despite expectations of a longer gap between the sixth and seventh installments, following the release of Scream (January 2022) and Scream VI (March 2023), the transition became problematic.
Director duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett had to step back, passing the directorial duties to Christopher Landon, who also exited the project after Ortega’s departure.
New Direction for Scream 7: Kevin Williamson Rejoins
With original Scream series creator Kevin Williamson returning to the helm, Scream 7 is slated for a theatrical release in February 2026. Williamson has been revitalizing the cast by integrating former Ghostface characters and other familiar faces. Although Ortega’s character survived the events of Scream VI, she will not reprise her role in the upcoming installment.
Jenna Ortega Opens Up About Her Departure
In a recent interview with The Cut, Jenna Ortega shared her insights about leaving the franchise, clarifying several misconceptions.
“It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling,” Ortega emphasized, directly addressing the rumors about conflicts with her Wednesday filming. Her decision was primarily influenced by the changes in the directing team and the controversy surrounding Melissa Barrera.
“The Melissa stuff was happening, and it was all kind of falling apart,” Ortega explained. “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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jenna Ortega leave the Scream franchise?
Jenna Ortega left the Scream franchise due to conflicts arising after the change in the directing team and her dissatisfaction with the new direction of the series, especially following the controversy involving co-star Melissa Barrera.
When is Scream 7 set to be released?
Scream 7 is expected to hit theaters in February 2026, with Kevin Williamson returning to the franchise, bringing back familiar characters.
Will Jenna Ortega return for future Scream films?
As of now, Jenna Ortega has confirmed that she will not be returning for the upcoming Scream 7 film.
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