Jenna Ortega, known for her role as Tara Carpenter in Scream (2022) and Scream 6, will not reprise her character in Scream 7. When Ortega entered the Scream franchise with the 2022 reboot, she was gradually establishing her presence in Hollywood, especially in the horror genre. In addition to her debut in Scream, Ortega’s filmography for that year included notable releases such as X, Studio 666, and American Carnage. Her rise to fame accelerated significantly after she took on the lead role in Netflix’s acclaimed series Wednesday in 2022, followed by appearances in Scream 6 and the upcoming Beetlejuice sequel, set for release in 2024.
Within the Scream storyline, Ortega cemented her legacy by surviving the notorious opening “kill”scene of Scream 5. She portrayed Tara Carpenter, the sister of Sam Carpenter, played by Melissa Barrera, and revealed to be the secret daughter of original Ghostface killer, Billy Loomis. In Scream 6, audiences followed the Carpenter sisters as they navigated college life in New York City among fellow survivors Chad and Mindy Meeks-Martin. Their storyline took a darker turn with a new Ghostface threat linked to Richie’s family. Against the backdrop of these narrative developments, the expectation was for the Carpenter sisters to continue leading the story into Scream 7. However, recent reports confirmed their absence from the franchise’s next installment.
Jenna Ortega Is Not Coming Back To Scream 7 Due To Scheduling Conflicts With Wednesday
Confirmation of Ortega’s Exit in November 2023
The reporting came shortly after news broke that Melissa Barrera had been let go from Scream 7 due to her controversial social media commentary regarding the situation in Palestine and Israel.Deadline announced that Ortega would likewise not be part of the new installment, attributing her decision to scheduling issues related to Wednesday‘s upcoming second season, which is set to begin filming in Spring 2024.
Deadline also noted that discussions surrounding Ortega’s potential exit occurred prior to the actors’ strike, which lasted from July to November 2023. This suggests her departure was not a direct result of Barrera’s exit, despite the closely timed announcements.
The second season of Wednesday is scheduled for filming between April and December 2024 in Ireland, while Scream 7 is slated to commence its production on January 7, 2025. This timeline indicates a tight schedule that would make it challenging for Ortega to transition seamlessly between both projects. Furthermore, Scream 7 appears to be shifting its narrative focus back to Sidney Prescott, leaving minimal room for the Carpenter sisters to play a significant role, even if Ortega were available.
Core Four Characters’ Return Means References to Tara Carpenter Will Remain
Chad & Mindy’s Return Ensures the Sequel Can’t Ignore Tara & Sam
With both Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera absent, expectations shifted regarding the characters of Chad and Mindy. Initially, it was thought their actors, Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown, might not return either. However, their appearances in Scream 7 were confirmed in late 2024 and early 2025, respectively. This configuration raises interest as it integrates characters from various generations of the Scream franchise, while also complicating the narrative by necessitating acknowledgment of Tara and Sam’s fates.
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Confirmed Returning Actors in Scream 7 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Actor | Character | Past Scream Appearances |
| Neve Campbell | Sidney Prescott | Scream (1996), Scream 2, Scream 3, Scream 4, Scream (2022) |
| Courteney Cox | Gale Weathers | Scream (1996), Scream 2, Scream 3, Scream 4, Scream (2022), Scream 6 |
| Mason Gooding | Chad Meeks-Martin | Scream (2022), Scream 6 |
| Jasmin Savoy Brown | Mindy Meeks-Martin | Scream (2022), Scream 6 |
| Scott Foley | Roman Bridger | Scream 3 |
| Matthew Lillard | This is Macher | Scream (1996) |
With the absence of crucial figures like Tara and Sam, Scream 7 must navigate its narrative carefully. The development of Chad and Tara’s relationship, which unfolded in Scream 6, necessitates some acknowledgment of their dynamic. Additionally, this will be the first Ghostface encounter without the Carpenter sisters since the initial Woodsboro spree in 2011. Therefore, it’s essential for Scream 7 to address the whereabouts and safety of Tara and Sam, similar to how Gale addressed Sidney in past entries.
Will Jenna Ortega’s Absence Affect Scream 7?
Scream‘s Legacy Precedes Ortega, Yet Her Absence May Impact New Audiences
The franchise has a proven track record with its fanbase, dating back to its inception, but Ortega’s absence may yield mixed results in attracting a younger demographic. Her presence was instrumental in engaging the younger audience with Scream 5 and Scream 6. As Scream 7 centers around Sidney once again, it raises questions regarding the target demographic—whether the film will prioritize fans of the original trilogy or include a wider audience that encompasses both the original and reboot eras.
Scream 7 is set to hit theaters on February 27, 2026. While Ortega’s absence may be felt, the franchise demonstrates its resilience.Scream (2022) performed exceptionally well at the box office and garnered critical acclaim, engaging both newer and longstanding fans—10 months prior to the escalation of Ortega’s star recognition. Even though her return could have enhanced the film’s allure, it would be premature to think her departure would lead to the film’s downfall. The returning characters from previous Scream films suggest that Scream 7 is intent on appealing to a diverse audience.
Source: Deadline
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