A day later, news broke that Ortega would not return either.
Landon said the film “all came tumbling down in an instant” without them.
It was highly aggressive and really scary."
Ghostface in 2022’s ‘Scream’.Credit: BROWNIE HARRIS/ Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group
Now, Landon is offering further clarity.
“I did not fire her,” he said of Barrera.
I had no control of the situation at all."
Melissa Barrera at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2024; Christopher Landon during the 2025 SXSW Conference and Festival on March 09, 2025.Daniele Venturelli/Getty; Mat Hayward/Getty
“They basically said, ‘you’re free to restart it.
you’re able to figure it out.’
“For me, it was not worth it.
I would rather put my efforts into something else, where I could feel appreciated and respected.”
“To be a part of this legacy, it was really hard to let it go.”
“Kevin probably made a banger of a movie, because he knows it better than anybody.
Its going to be awesome.”
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The film provided the perfect outlet for the director to pour in commentary about the dangers of anonymous bullying.
Melissa Barrera as Sam Carpenter and Jenna Ortega as Tara Carpenter in ‘Scream VI’.Philippe Bosse/Paramount Pictures
“My revenge wasnt rooted in pain or anger; it was rooted in joy and moving forward.”
It’s slated to hit theaters on Feb. 27, 2026.
