Melissa Barrera is not ruling out another appearance in the “Scream” franchise — but she says it cannot happen while Spyglass Media Group remains in control.
Barrera, who was fired from the franchise in 2023, addressed the possibility of returning during a recent JustWatch interview. Asked whether she would consider appearing in a future film, the actress replied, “Not with the company that currently holds the rights.”
Spyglass is both a co-producer of the films and the franchise’s current rights holder. Barrera made clear that her objection is directed at the company rather than the “Scream” movies themselves.
“I love the franchise,” she said. “I had an amazing time making those movies. But a lot of the hate and the difficulty that I’ve faced in the last years is because the leadership of that company made it a point to label me something that I’m not, and they never apologized, even when I was proven right.”
Barrera rules out working with Spyglass again
The dispute dates back to Barrera’s removal after she shared social media posts criticizing Israel amid the war in Gaza. Spyglass claimed at the time that she was acting antisemitically.
In its statement, the company said 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.”
Barrera now says an apology would not change her position on working with the company.
“Even with an apology, I wouldn’t go back to work with them,” she said. “So, not that I’m holding my breath. I don’t think they have that ability.”
However, the “In the Heights” actress left open a potential path back to the franchise if its ownership were to change.
“But if the franchise were ever to leave those hands and go into hands that I think honor Wes Craven’s legacy more, I think yeah,” Barrera said.
Barrera starred in 2022’s “Scream” and “Scream VI” before being ousted from the franchise. “Scream 7” was released earlier this year.
Reflecting on support within the industry
Barrera also recently discussed the support Macklemore received after he was removed from Ed Sheeran’s tour over his support for Palestine. She described the response from other performers as “beautiful,” contrasting it with what she experienced after her own firing.
“It was so beautiful to see Finneas and the band and all the opening acts pulling out in support of Macklemore,” Barrera said. “It made me emotional.”
She continued: “You know, I didn’t get that when it happened to me. I didn’t have any of that happen. It was too soon. People were too scared. But it’s good to see that almost three years later, at least things have changed.”
What Happens Next?
For now, Barrera’s position is firm: She will not work with Spyglass again, even if the company apologizes. Her affection for “Scream,” however, remains intact, leaving a future return possible only if the franchise moves to different ownership that she believes would better honor Craven’s legacy.