You know how Jenna Ortega mysteriously vanished from Scream VII faster than a teenager alone in a dark basement? Well, we finally got the real scoop, and spoiler alert: it’s not as dramatic as a slasher flick… but it is pretty relatable.
Let’s rewind. Back in November 2023, the internet broke (again) when it was announced that our girl Jenna would not be returning as Tara Carpenter in the next Scream movie. Fans were like, “What in the Wes Craven is going on?!” And to make things messier than a horror movie prom scene, her co-star Melissa Barrera had just been let go over her social media posts, and the directors of Scream VI, Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, also peaced out.
So yeah, the franchise was giving major “everyone’s leaving the group chat” vibes.
Now, in a chat with The Cut, Jenna finally spilled the beans (and probably some fake movie blood). She said, and I quote:
“It had nothing to do with pay or scheduling. It was all kind of falling apart. If Scream VII 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.”
Translation: when the squad’s gone, it’s not a vibe anymore. Imagine going to a sleepover and realizing all your friends bailed, but the creepy clown still showed up? Yeah, no thanks.
So to clarify:
– Not about money? Check.
– Not about scheduling? Double check.
– More about the “This isn’t fun without my spooky BFFs”? Absolutely.
Jenna basically said, “If I can’t get chased by Ghostface with my people, then I’m out.”
Respect. 👏
Now, who do we talk to about giving Tara Carpenter a dramatic offscreen exit? I’m thinking: “She moved to Europe to open a haunted bakery.” Just spitballin’.
Anyway, pour one out for the Ortega era of Scream, and let’s hope she brings the same spooky fierceness wherever she screams next.
