Jenna Ortega is setting the record straight on why she chose not to return to the ‘Scream’ franchise after starring in two of the most recent installments, which received a positive impact at the box office and loyal fans of the storyline.
The actress, who played Tara Carpenter in Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023), revealed the real reason behind her decision, which has stirred plenty of speculation since it was revealed that the new installment would have a complete redirection from the last two movies.
In November 2023, news broke that Ortega would not reprise her role in the upcoming Scream 7, with initial reports citing scheduling conflicts. This came just one day after the firing of her onscreen sister, Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter), from the same film.
At the time, many fans and outlets speculated that issues related to timing and coordination were to blame for Ortega’s exit. However, in a candid interview with The Cut, the ‘Wednesday Star’ set the record straight, revealing that her decision had little to do with scheduling or financial concerns.
“It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling,” She clarified. “It was all kind of falling apart. If Scream 7 wasn’t going to be with that team of directors and those people I fell in love with, then it didn’t seem like the right move for me in my career at the time.”
© Nina WesterveltIn addition to her thoughts on Scream 7, Ortega also opened up about her desire to focus on more original and independent projects rather than joining major franchise films.
© Slaven VlasicReflecting on her recent career choices, she expressed a preference for supporting fresh, unique narratives. “I’ve happened to join a lot of franchises, which is so great to be a part of legacy,” Ortega said. “But for me, I’m really trying to prioritize new directors and original stories.”
“I know on the outside, maybe people are looking at my choices like, ‘Man, what the hell is this girl doing?’ I never thought I would do a movie with unicorns. But an original script is exciting. If I can help get it made, I love to do that,” she explained.
© Steve GranitzMeanwhile, Scream 7 is still set for release in February 2026, directed by Kevin Williamson, the writer who originally created the franchise with the 1996 classic. Despite Ortega’s exit, other members of the “Core Four” from the reboots—Mason Gooding (Chad Meeks-Martin) and Jasmin Savoy Brown (Mindy Meeks-Martin)—will return alongside longtime Scream alum Neve Campbell.
Campbell is returning for the new film, and Courteney Cox is also set to reprise her role. Fans can expect appearances from legacy characters as well, including David Arquette, Scott Foley, and Matthew Lillard, whose characters have already met their demise in previous films.
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