Melissa Barrera Would Return to "Scream" — But Only If Spyglass Loses the Rights

Melissa Barrera, fired from the "Scream" franchise in 2023, has made clear that her lingering frustration lies with Spyglass Media Group specifically, not with the films themselves. Asked during a recent JustWatch interview whether she'd ever return to the franchise, Barrera said she wouldn't work with the company that currently holds the rights, referring to Spyglass, which co-produces the series and remains its current rights holder. A Distinction Between the Franchise and the Studio Barrera emphasized her continued affection for the franchise itself, saying she had an incredible experience making the films. She said much of the hostility and difficulty she's faced in recent years stems from the studio's leadership mischaracterizing her, adding that they never apologized even after she was ultimately proven right. Her comments reference Spyglass's earlier claim that she had engaged in antisemitic behavior after she shared social media posts critical of Israel during the war in Gaza. At the time, the studio stated it maintained zero tolerance for antisemitism or incitement of hate in any form, including false claims of genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or content that crosses into hate speech. Would She Ever Go Back? Barrera said that even if Spyglass were to apologize, she still wouldn't return to work with the company, though she doesn't expect that to happen. However, she left the door open to a potential return under different circumstances, saying that if the franchise ever moved into hands she felt better honored Wes Craven's legacy, she would consider coming back. Barrera starred in 2022's "Scream" and "Scream VI" that same year before being removed from the franchise. "Scream 7" was released earlier this year without her involvement. Reflecting on Recent Industry Solidarity Barrera recently spoke about witnessing what she described as a "beautiful" show of support for Macklemore following his removal from Ed Sheeran's tour over his support for Palestine. She said it was moving to see Finneas, the band, and other opening acts withdraw from the tour in solidarity with Macklemore, adding that she felt emotional watching it unfold. She noted that she didn't receive similar public support when she faced backlash years earlier, explaining that the timing had been too soon and that people were too afraid to speak up at the time. Still, she said it was encouraging to see how much has changed nearly three years later.