Scream 7 Shatters Box Office Records Amidst Premiere Protests
The latest instalment in the iconic Scream franchise, Scream 7, has achieved a monumental feat, smashing box office records and solidifying its position as the highest-grossing film in the franchise’s storied history. The film’s opening weekend alone saw a staggering $97.2 million in worldwide ticket sales, with $64.1 million generated domestically in North America and an additional $33.1 million from international markets. This impressive debut significantly surpasses the previous opening weekend record held by Scream VI in 2023, which garnered $44.4 million domestically.
The success of Scream 7 arrives amidst a backdrop of significant controversy and public demonstration. The film’s premiere, held at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, was met with a protest by activists gathered outside the lot. These demonstrators voiced their opposition to the production’s controversial decision to remove actress Melissa Barrera from the film. Barrera’s dismissal stemmed from a series of Instagram posts she made regarding the Israel-Hamas war, which the film’s production company deemed antisemitic.
As the cast of the new slasher flick graced the red carpet, a group of protesters marched along the studio lot’s sidewalks, their voices amplified by pro-Palestine chants, the rhythmic beat of drums, and placards held aloft. One sign declared, “Paramount has a BLACKLIST of actors who criticize Israel,” while another urged attendees and fans to “Cancel Paramount+.” The boycott was reportedly spearheaded by a coalition of organisations including Entertainment Labor for Palestine, CODEPINK LA, Musicians for Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace-Los Angeles. Many protesters also expressed their solidarity with Barrera, who later appeared to acknowledge their support with a red heart emoji on her Instagram Story, accompanied by the message, “I see you.”
When questioned about the protests during the premiere, Kevin Williamson, the original writer of the Scream franchise and the writer-director of Scream 7, shared his perspective. “I saw them and my heart just sort of stopped,” Williamson stated. “Look, we live in America. Everyone has a right to protest and everyone should be heard. And if you have your truth and if you want to stand up and be heard, you protest. That is your right in this country, and I stand by it. I support that 100 percent.”
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Melissa Barrera had been a central figure in the recent chapters of the Scream saga, starring as Samantha Carpenter in the franchise’s 2022 reboot, Scream, and its subsequent sequel, Scream VI. Her expected return for Scream 7 was a highly anticipated element until her abrupt departure in 2023. The catalyst for her removal was her public commentary on the Israel-Hamas conflict. In one widely circulated post, Barrera described the situation in Gaza as akin to a “concentration camp,” writing, “Cornering everyone together, with nowhere to go, no electricity no water… People have learnt nothing from our histories. And just like our histories, people are still silently watching it all happen. THIS IS GENOCIDE & ETHNIC CLEANSING.”
Paramount, in collaboration with Spyglass Media Group, had co-produced Scream (2022), Scream VI (2023), and Scream 7. Following Barrera’s dismissal, a spokesperson for Spyglass issued a statement to The Independent, asserting, “Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”
Barrera’s exit triggered a significant shake-up within the production of Scream 7. Co-star Jenna Ortega, who portrayed Tara Carpenter, Samantha’s younger sister, soon followed suit and withdrew from her role. Director Christopher Landon also announced his departure from the project. “I made my decision to walk away about a week after they fired her,” Landon revealed in an interview. “There was no movie anymore. The whole script was about her. I didn’t sign on to make ‘a Scream movie.’ I signed on to make that movie. When that movie no longer existed, I moved on.”
In response to these unforeseen circumstances, Kevin Williamson stepped in to take the directorial reins for Scream 7. This decision necessitated a substantial script overhaul, reportedly costing approximately $500,000. The franchise’s original star, Neve Campbell, subsequently rejoined the project, alongside returning cast members Matthew Lillard, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Mason Gooding. The film also welcomes a new cohort of talent, including Mckenna Grace, Anna Camp, and Isabel May, adding fresh dynamics to the enduring horror series.
