Melissa Barrera isn’t shying away from addressing her controversial exit from the seventh Scream film. In a candid interview with THR, the actress delved into her thoughts on various aspects of the situation, including her interactions with original star Neve Campbell, her bond with former Scream co-stars, and her perspective on social media backlash.
When asked about her communication with Neve Campbell following the latter’s return to the Scream franchise, Barrera paused before declining to comment. This hesitation suggests there may be more to the story than meets the eye.
Despite her departure from the series, Barrera remains connected to her former Scream co-stars, organizing reunions to play board games, reminiscent of their time on set. “We’ll plan little reunions to play board games because that’s what we used to do when we were shooting.”
She particularly highlighted her bond with Jenna Ortega, emphasizing their enduring sisterhood. “We chatted for a while, and I love her so much. She’s been very supportive of me, and we’re sisters for life.”
Reflecting on the unequal treatment of celebrities when speaking out on social issues, Barrera acknowledged the disparities faced by women of color. She emphasized the importance of using her platform to amplify voices often marginalized in mainstream discourse. “It’ve very evident that that’s the case. All I can say is that it is very important for me to raise my voice for those who don’t have one. It seems weird to have a platform and not use it for that.”
Addressing rumors of a warning from Spyglass regarding her social media activity, Barrera dismissed the speculation, asserting that no such caution was issued before her departure from the project. “Not at all.”
Barrera expressed sadness over Christopher Landon’s decision to step down as director of the seventh Scream film, indicating his initial enthusiasm for the project before her firing. This revelation suggests a ripple effect within the production team following her exit.
Having experienced online backlash firsthand, Barrera empathizes with others facing similar challenges and actively supports them. Her personal experiences have heightened her awareness of the impact of cyberbullying and the importance of solidarity within the entertainment industry.
As for the possibility of returning to the Scream franchise, Barrera remains open-minded, adopting a “never say never” attitude while acknowledging the uncertainties of the future. For now, she is focused on turning the page and embracing the next chapter of her career. “I’ve learned to never say never, but also a lot of things would have to happen for Sam to come back. For now, next page, next chapter, and then we’ll see what the future holds.”
In sharing her side of the story, Melissa Barrera offers insight into the complexities of navigating fame, social activism, and career trajectories in the entertainment industry. Her candidness sheds light on the challenges faced by actors in the public eye and underscores the importance of staying true to one’s convictions amid adversity.
