Scream Franchise in Shambles: More Details Emerge From "Sources"
It's a Scary Time For the 'Scream' Franchise https://t.co/7zAHd5t2TQ
- The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) November 29, 2023
• THR reports that Melissa Barrera's deal to return for Scream VII had been finalized before Spyglass fired her.
• The firing was reported on Nov 21, but actually happened one month prior to the announcement when "Barrera had become increasingly vocal" on social media.
• Jenna Ortega's team cited "scheduling conflicts" but sources say her team asked for a bigger payday to "commensurate with her status." But unlike Barrera, sources say Ortega had no deal in place.
• Ortega was paid six figures for the first two films, sources say she was seeking high seven figures and anticipated that Spyglass would balk.
• Spyglass head Gary Barber is known for his shrewd business sense or for being cheap, depending on what side of the table you are on, multiple sources say.
• Many predicted that Scream VI would fail without Neve Campbell, but it ended up being the biggest movie in the franchise since the 1996 original.
• Barber’s apparent takeaway is that neither stars nor large salaries are essential. “He didn’t need Neve, he doesn’t need Jenna,” says one insider.
• Some insiders say the situation is a “shambles” and “very raw.”
• Christopher Landon remains on board as director, as does James Vanderbilt, who co-wrote the two previous installments.
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