The premiere of the horror film “Scream 7” at Paramount Studios on Melrose Avenue on the night of February 25 was disrupted by a group of protesters. Pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside the event venue, drawing significant attention to the film's debut.
According to on-site images and reports, protesters carried several signs of protest. The banners included slogans such as “Cancel Paramount+” and “Paramount has a blacklist of actors who criticize Israel”.
Notably, some banners expressed support for actress Melissa Barrera. She left the project in 2023 following social media statements regarding the Israel–Gaza conflict.
Deadline reported that the protest was organized by groups including Entertainment Labor for Palestine, CODEPINK LA, Musicians for Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace–Los Angeles. In a statement, CODEPINK LA said the goal was to call attention to what they described as the entertainment industry’s suppression of pro-Palestine voices.
Barrera’s departure from “Scream 7” occurred after she posted content criticizing Israel in relation to the conflict that began on October 7, 2023. Spyglass Entertainment, the production company behind the franchise, subsequently terminated its partnership with the actress. Director Christopher Landon also left the project shortly thereafter, along with Jenna Ortega.
The new version of the film is directed by Kevin Williamson, who co-wrote the screenplay with Guy Busick, based on a story by Busick and James Vanderbilt. The film marks the return of Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and Matthew Lillard, alongside Mason Gooding and new cast members such as Anna Camp, Joel McHale, McKenna Grace, and Ethan Embry.
“Scream 7” is scheduled to hit theaters this weekend and is expected to earn an opening domestic box office between $40 million and $55 million. This information was compiled from reputable sources such as Deadline and Variety.
