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Director Christopher Landon Reveals “Scream VII” Exit Due to Violent Threats Following Melissa Barrera Firing
In a chilling revelation reminiscent of a horror film plot, director Christopher Landon has publicly addressed the genuine motivations behind his departure from “Scream VII” two years prior. The filmmaker, known for “Freaky,” disclosed that his exit from the highly anticipated slasher sequel in December 2023 was prompted by intense death threats directed at his children. These threats emerged in the aftermath of Melissa Barrera’s dismissal from the popular horror franchise.
“Dark and Tumultuous Experience”
“It was a profoundly dark and tumultuous ordeal,” Landon recounted in a recent interview with Vanity Fair. “I was utterly stunned and in disbelief for a period. However, I’ve reached a point where I can discuss it openly, having channeled that negative experience into something constructive.”
FBI Involvement Due to Death Threats
Landon, 50, further detailed the severity of the situation: “Individuals were threatening to murder me and my family, necessitating the involvement of the FBI. I received messages explicitly stating intentions to locate and kill my children, accusing me of supporting child murder.”
Threats Deemed “Highly Aggressive and Really Scary”
“Security heads at various studios and the FBI were compelled to investigate these threats,” he stated, emphasizing, “It was incredibly aggressive and genuinely frightening.”
Barrera’s Dismissal Preceded Landon’s Exit
Melissa Barrera, 34, was removed from “Scream VII” in November 2023 following controversial social media posts concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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Landon Clarifies Lack of Control Over Barrera’s Firing
Landon was named the director of “Scream VII” in August 2023, succeeding original directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, who withdrew due to scheduling issues after alleged studio pressure to expedite the film’s production. Despite being attached to the project when Barrera was terminated, Landon clarified that he “had absolutely no control” over her departure.
Fan Misdirected Anger
“I believe due to a lack of understanding regarding Hollywood’s operational dynamics and hierarchical structures, fans mistakenly believed, ‘He’s responsible,’” Landon explained. “Consequently, I became the target of their anger.”
“I Did Not Fire Her”
“I want to stress, I did not fire her,” Landon reiterated. “Many assume I played a role in it, but it was not my doing. I had no influence over the situation whatsoever.”
“Dream Job Turned Nightmare”
Following his choice to withdraw from the “Scream” sequel in December 2023, Landon characterized the project as “a dream endeavor that devolved into an ordeal.”
Focusing on “Appreciated and Respected” Projects
“I decided against dedicating any part of myself to that negativity,” he reflected. “For me, it simply wasn’t worthwhile. I preferred to invest my energy in alternative projects where I could feel valued and respected.”
Hate and Abuse “Spoiled” the Project
“The animosity and mistreatment truly ruined the experience for me, and I lost any enthusiasm for proceeding,” Landon confessed. “Amidst the turmoil, I was also mourning the loss of a job I had long dreamt of.”
Jenna Ortega’s Departure Linked to Barrera’s Firing
Jenna Ortega, who portrayed Barrera’s sibling in “Scream VI,” recently addressed the primary reason for her own exit from the horror sequel in 2023.
Ortega Confirms Solidarity with Barrera
While initial reports suggested Ortega, 22, left due to “salary and scheduling conflicts,” she has since affirmed that her departure was indeed due to Barrera’s firing and subsequent absence from the project. Ortega and Barrera played on-screen sisters Tara and Sam Carpenter in both “Scream” (2022) and “Scream VI” (2023).
Director Departures Influenced Ortega’s Decision
The “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” star also cited the departure of directors Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin as a factor in her decision to exit the franchise.
“Team Falling Apart”
“The situation with Melissa was unfolding, and the entire production seemed to be unraveling,” the “Wednesday” actress explained. “If ‘Scream VII’ would not include that director team and the individuals I had grown to admire, it didn’t appear to be the appropriate career move for me at that juncture.”
Kevin Williamson Takes Over “Scream VII”
Kevin Williamson, the original screenwriter of the “Scream” franchise, has since replaced Landon as the director for “Scream VII,” marking another shift in the film’s troubled production.