Jenna Ortega has officially addressed the swirling speculation around her sudden exit from the Scream movie franchise. In an interview with The Cut, the Wednesday actress revealed that her decision was based on creative differences and loyalty to the original team she worked with on previous installments—not due to a pay dispute or scheduling conflict, as some earlier reports suggested.
“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,” Ortega told The Cut in March 2025.
Read full interview here
Why the Rumors Started
Initial reports pointed to Ortega’s demanding schedule with Netflix’s hit show Wednesday, whose second season begins filming in Ireland. Industry insiders had claimed timing conflicts made it impossible for her to return for Scream VII.
However, Ortega has now clarified that while scheduling was a factor, it was not the primary reason she walked away. The departures of co-star Melissa Barrera and directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin played a much larger role.
A Franchise in Turmoil
In November 2023, Melissa Barrera, who portrayed Ortega’s on-screen sister in Scream 5 and 6, was dropped from the franchise. Production company Spyglass Media said the decision was made due to Barrera’s social media comments on the Israel-Hamas conflict, which the company deemed inappropriate.
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Following Barrera’s controversial exit, directing duo Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin also left the project. Christopher Landon was briefly tapped as director but resigned shortly afterward, calling the experience “a dream job that turned into a nightmare.”
Ortega’s exit came next, compounding the chaos.
Ortega’s Loyalty to Her Team
Jenna Ortega had developed a strong rapport with the original team behind the rebooted Scream series. Her decision to bow out appears rooted in professional values and a desire to work with creatives she trusts.
“I’ve happened to join a lot of franchises,” Ortega said in her interview. “But for me, I’m really trying to focus on original stories and new collaborations.”
This aligns with her current path, as she is set to star in Beetlejuice 2 and continues to work on Wednesday with Netflix.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
Despite losing Ortega and Barrera, Scream VII is still moving forward. Franchise veterans Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and David Arquette are expected to return. Longtime Scream writer Kevin Williamson will direct the seventh installment, scheduled for a February 2026 release.
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The rebooted direction aims to re-anchor the series with familiar faces, though it’s unclear how the absence of newer leads will affect the storyline and fan reception.
Ortega and Barrera Remain Close
Despite the controversy, Ortega and Barrera appear to remain close friends. Sources indicate Ortega was deeply affected by Barrera’s dismissal and even reached out to her in support following the news.
Their camaraderie and chemistry on-screen were a major draw for fans of the recent films. With both actresses out of the picture, some fans have expressed disappointment and concern about the future of the series.
Fans React
The news of Ortega’s real reasons for leaving has garnered support online. Fans appreciate her standing by her values and prioritizing creative integrity over franchise obligations.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Jenna Ortega not returning to Scream because the original directors and her co-star were gone shows how loyal she is. Major respect.”
Final Thoughts
Jenna Ortega’s decision to exit Scream VII reflects a larger trend in Hollywood where young actors are seeking more agency in their career choices. Rather than ride out a blockbuster franchise, she’s choosing to align herself with projects that resonate creatively and personally.
While her departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the Scream reboot, it also signals the beginning of new ventures for the rising star.
This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.
Himanshu Sharma writes for Weekend Spy, focusing on recruitment, government schemes, and current affairs. He is dedicated to making complex information accessible to readers.
Himanshu enjoys playing chess, hiking, and trying new recipes, always seeking ways to combine his love for writing with his passion for exploration. Connect with Drop him an email at [email protected].
