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Melissa Barrera was fired from theScreamfranchise last November after playing the lead role of Sam Carpenter in the last two films. The producers, Spyglass Media, issued a statement justifying the firing, where they stated that theVidaactress’s social media posts on the Israel-Palestine conflict amounted to anti-semitism. In her recent appearance at the Sundance Film Festival, Barrera opened up about her firing, stating that it was a big awakening.
TheScreamfranchise faced major setbacks following the firing, as Barrera’s fellow lead Jenna Ortega and director Christopher Landon have both departed the series since then. Meanwhile, Barrera moves on with her career as her new indie filmYour Monsterpremiered at the festival.
Also Read:“They killed the franchise when they fired Melissa”: Neve Campbell is Willing to Return to Scream After Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega’s Exit Has the Fans Excited
Melissa Barrera Is Grateful For Her Firing From TheScreamFranchise
While attending the premiere of her film,Your Monster,Melissa Barreraspoke to the Associated Press about her recent firing from theScreamfranchise. Barrera’s post on the Israel-Palestine conflict accused the Jewish state of conducting a genocide in Gaza. Spyglass Media’s statement regarding her firing accused theIn the Heightsactress of making anti-semitic comments. (via BBC)
Barrera responded with her own statement, condemning both anti-semitism and Islamophobia. She added that she also condemned“hate and prejudice of any kind against any group of people.”(via X). Things have since gone downhill for the franchise, however, Barrera revealed that she was grateful for everything that happened. The firing and the days that followed were an awakening for the actress, who believed that she had finally become who she was supposed to be. She toldAP:
“Honestly, I think I finally am becoming who I’m supposed to be in life, and the last few months have been a big awakening of that. I’m just so grateful for everything that’s happened.”
TheKeep Breathingactress won many hearts with her gracious response. Fans on X shared their love for Barrera, with one pointing out that she was staying true to herself and also speaks of herScreamrole with fondness. Another fan noted how she looked at things in a more positive light since her firing. Fans also bashed Spyglass media for ruining theScreamfranchise, while pointing out how Barrera was a crucial part of the franchise’s renewed success. Several fan reactions read:
Love how true to herself she is and still speaks of her experience with scream with fondness
— Tena🍉 (@Downanotherbro)June 16, 2025
I’m really glad she’s able to look at the situation in a positive light. She’s thriving right now and we love to see it
— Lindsey (@XoXoChenford)July 22, 2025
She is so well spoken and knows who she is. Love her and her honesty
— Hash Slinging Slasher (@SavageHorror5)July 01, 2025
https://twitter.com/Fan_FlickOn/status/1748430256636363156
the guys replying to you are ignoring the fact that she got Your Monster at a sundance getting rave reviews and Radio Silence’s Abigail coming out in April. she also has a new horror film with Nicholas Hoult in the works. yeah, she don’t need Scream.
— mastersnackboy 🇵🇸 (@rodolfocortez04)June 25, 2025
Spyglass really ruined Scream with firing Melissa
— Christopher J Rosado (@OUTATIME1995)August 13, 2025
While Melissa Barrera garners love and support with her solid stance, another celebrity who commented on the conflict came under fire.Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers inStranger Things, faced internet backlash when he allegedly a video mocking Palestinian victims. He also faced criticism for allegedly donning stickers that read,“Zionism is sexy,”amidst the conflict (via Variety).
Also Read:“It was a dream job that turned into a nightmare”: Scream 7 Director Departs Project After Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera’s Exit in Surprise Move
Unlike Melissa Barrera, Noah Schnapp Faced Criticism For His Latest Comments
On January 15, Noah Schnapp posted a video onTikTok, where he claimed that his“thoughts and beliefs”were“misconstrued”until recently. The video was in response to the backlash received for the announcement ofStranger Things Season 5. Schnapp shared that he only wants“peace and safety and security for all innocent people affected by this conflict.”
Fans accused that the 19-year-old was doing some damage control before the release ofStranger Thingsfinale. Earlier, the Netflix seriesannouncedthe start of production using a black and white photo, where Schnapp was seen with other cast members smiling for the photo. Fans demanded the creators of the series to take action against him for his statements.
Also Read:Spyglass Tried to Have a Meeting With Melissa Barrera After Huge Fan Backlash Over Her Firing From Scream 7 (Reports)
It is highly unlikely that Schnapp will get fired from the series. The production of the final season was delayed due to SAG-AFTRA strikes and has resumed from this month. The series will hit the streaming platform by late 2024 or early 2025.
Hashim Asraff
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3018
Hashim Asraff is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, with over 2,800 articles published on celebrity culture, comic book movies, and major TV franchises. With a background in Sociology and a keen interest in pop culture, Hashim brings a unique lens to breaking news stories, character deep-dives, film rankings, and fan-driven perspectives.His coverage often includes the MCU, DCU, hit network shows, and celebrity profiles, giving readers a rich blend of entertainment and analysis. A longtime fan of crime and investigative series, Hashim has watched thousands of episodes of NCIS, Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, Bones, Blue Bloods, and The RookieA passionate storyteller and wordsmith, Hashim has also worked as a ghostwriter and managed multiple social media handles. He brought his writing expertise to FandomWire to also pursue his lifelong love for cinema and television.
