The premiere of Scream 7 at Paramount Studios on Wednesday was met with a demonstration as protesters gathered outside the lot, calling attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the film industry’s response to it. The protest occurred more than two years after Melissa Barrera was removed from the franchise following her social media posts regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, sparking renewed discussion about freedom of speech and representation within Hollywood. The situation highlights the increasing intersection of entertainment and political activism and the challenges studios face navigating sensitive global issues.
Barrera appeared to acknowledge the demonstration via her Instagram Story, posting “I see you” alongside a heart emoji. This response, coming after her highly publicized departure from the Scream series, has fueled further conversation about the boycott calls surrounding the film and the broader debate over industry accountability. The premiere protest underscores the growing pressure on studios to address concerns about their stances on geopolitical events and the voices of those involved in their productions.
Protest Focuses on Industry “Silencing”
The demonstration was organized by Entertainment Labor for Palestine, CodePink LA, and Jewish Voice for Peace-Los Angeles, according to reports. The groups stated their aim was to highlight what they perceive as the industry’s “widespread silencing of pro-Palestinian voices and its whitewashing of Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza.” The protest comes after a surge in calls for a boycott of Scream 7 following the release of the first trailer in October, with many social media users expressing their disapproval of the film’s direction after Barrera’s exit.
Director Kevin Williamson addressed the protest while walking the red carpet, stating, “We live in America. We have the right to protest. They have the right to be heard, and they have a right to speak to what your truth is, and I support that,” as reported by Deadline. This statement reflects a recognition of the protesters’ rights to express their views, even amidst the premiere of a major motion picture.
Barrera’s Exit and Subsequent Fallout
Spyglass Media Group fired Melissa Barrera in November 2023, citing her social media posts concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict. The company stated it had “zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech,” Variety reported at the time. Barrera had voiced her support for Palestine and criticized what she described as “atrocities being committed against Palestinians.”
Following Barrera’s departure, Jenna Ortega also exited the project, reportedly expressing concerns that the sequel “was all kind of falling apart” without Barrera in the role of Sam Carpenter. Director Christopher Landon subsequently left the film, citing “highly aggressive and really scary” death threats directed at his children, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. These events created significant upheaval in the production of Scream 7.
Neve Campbell Returns, Williamson Directs
In March 2024, Neve Campbell, who previously sat out Scream VI (2023) due to a pay dispute, was brought back to reprise her role as Sidney Prescott. Original Scream (1996) writer Kevin Williamson also stepped in to direct the sequel, marking a return to the franchise’s roots. The casting changes and directorial shift represent a significant restructuring of the project following the controversies surrounding Barrera’s firing and the subsequent departures.
The events surrounding Scream 7 demonstrate the increasing scrutiny faced by the entertainment industry regarding its handling of politically charged issues and the potential consequences for those who express their views publicly. The premiere protest and Barrera’s response highlight the complex interplay between artistic expression, social responsibility, and the demands of a global audience.
As Scream 7 prepares for its wider release, the impact of these events on its box office performance and critical reception remains to be seen. The film’s success will likely be viewed as a barometer of how audiences respond to a franchise navigating such sensitive and divisive issues. The situation also sets a precedent for future productions and the challenges of balancing creative freedom with social and political considerations.
What are your thoughts on the intersection of entertainment and political activism? Share your opinions in the comments below.
