Just when the controversy is intensifying over dropping Macklemore from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour over his Palestine remarks, Matthew Lillard stood with Melissa Barrera. The actor noted that he is “embarrassed” to return for Scream 7, after Barrera was abruptly fired from the franchise over pro-Palestine comments. Barrera, who was set for her third Scream film, got dropped after speaking in support of the Palestinian cause. The movie’s production company, Spyglass Entertainment, accused her of “hate speech.”
Lillard expressed some regret over joining Scream 7 and not addressing the firing earlier. During a Q&A Session for a 30th anniversary screening, the actor said, “I went back to do Scream, and I got called out. And I’m like, ‘Oh, f—. That’s brutal. I feel bad about that. I feel ashamed about that. Because in that moment I was so excited to go back, I didn’t really think about Melissa and that journey. I didn’t say no.” He added,
I’m embarrassed, that’s the truth… I blew that. I’m on the wrong side of history for that. I still like being in the movie [but] it may not have been the best idea.
Matthew Lillard admitted that he doesn’t think it’s “easy” to always speak up about a political issue. However, he finally broke his silence on Barrera’s firing, declaring that “she’s on the right side of history.”
Why Was Melissa Barrera Fired from Scream 7
Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega in Scream 6 | Credit: Paramount Pictures
Melissa Barrera starred as Sam Carpenter in the two Scream movies she has been in. She was set to reprise fo the same role in Scream 7. However, Spyglass dropped her from the franchise in late 2023, after she made pro-Palestine statements on her social media. Barrera has called for a ceasefire in Gaza, criticizing the actions of Israel.
The production company said at that time that it had “zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form.” However, Barrera hit back, condemning antisemitism, as well as noting she is using her platform “to raise awareness about the issues I care about.” The actress added,
Silence is not an option for me.
When Is the Next Scream Movie Coming Out
Credit:- Paramount Pictures
Scream 8 is reportedly in active development following the success of Scream 7, which was released earlier this year. Courtney Cox, who has starred as Gale Weathers in every Scream movie, told Deadline that she would like to direct Scream 8. “Nobody knows more about that movie than I do,” she said. Lilla and Nora Zuckerman are currently writing the screenplay, and Paramount has yet to officially announce a director.
Scream 7 was released on February 27, 2026. Matthew Lillard stars as Stu Macher, Courtney Cox as Gale Weathers, Neve Campbell as Sidney Prescott, Isabel May as Tatum Evans, McKenna Grace as Hannah Thurman, and Anna Camp as Jessica Bowden. The movie grossed over $207 million worldwide during its theatrical run.
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