Free Palestine Protest Breaks Out At ‘Scream 7’ Premiere Following Melissa Barrera's Firing

"Scream 7"has been in the works with Production studio Skyglass Media Group for multiple years, with Melissa Barrera set to star. However, after her social media posts in support of Palestine, she was fired from the film after having become a fan favorite in the previous installment of the franchise. Now, at the premiere for the movie, Free Palestine protestors showed up, and the director has now responded.

According to Variety, the US premiere of "Scream 7" took place on February 25 at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, California. However, the night didn't go off without a hitch as protestors gathered outside the premiere, calling for a boycott of the new movie in support of the people of Palestine following Barrera's dismissal for speaking out.

Per the outlet, the protest featured about 25 individuals, complete with signs, flags, drums, and bullhorns, who showed their support for the movement. Some reportedly chanted, "Paramount, Paramount, what do you say? Palestine will live forever!" Others could be seen chanting "Free Palestine" as they marched. Other protesters called for the cancellation of Paramount in its entirety.

Following the "Scream 7" protest, Kevin Williamson, who directed the upcoming movie, issued a response while on the red carpet for the premiere. He said, "We live in a world where a lot of bad things are happening out there, and I think a lot of people want to be heard and they want to have their voice heard about the bad stuff that’s happening."

He continued, "My heart goes out to them. I don’t know if canceling Paramount+ is the way to do it. But I think people should listen to their inner self and do what feels good for them."

Many social media users have reacted to the Free Palestine protests and to the studio's firing of Barrera. One person said on X, "Shout out to the people boycotting Scream 7. Whether or not Scream 7 is successful, you all have educated people, stood up for Palestine, and stood for something as horror fans."

Another person wrote, "So I’ve been a Scream fan for 30 years. I really love each movie and what it adds to the franchise. But I will be boycotting Scream 7 because no one should be fired for criticizing Israel and its ongoing genocide in Palestine."

However, many social media users opposed the protest but still supported Palestine. Someone else said, "Yup. I’m pretty sure those in Palestine just want to eat. Live. Have a normal day. Pretty sure they don’t gaf about Scream 7. This is doing truly nothing for them. It’s all performative."

It's worth noting that, according to Deadline, Barrera seemingly reacted to the protest, saying in an Instagram story, "I see you."

One critic, who saw the movie early, Peter Gray, said on X, "#Scream7 is definitely one of the more fun series sequels. The AI stuff doesn’t always look good, and the script is a fan of exposition, but it’s humorously self-aware, Neve and Courteney are great, Isabel May is a solid addition, and the kills rank as some of the most brutal."

Another critic, Mike Gambaro, said, "#Scream7 understands its legacy and has real fun with it. Wildly creative kills, dark meta humour that lands, and a cast completely locked in. As a longtime fan, this is the most fun I’ve had since the original. Even going in spoiled, I still walked out loving it!"

Another X user reviewed the film, saying, "#Scream7 features some great kills and master sound design. Neve Campbell powerfully returns and further evolves what it means to be a final girl, and Joel McHale was pretty bad-ss. A lot of fun, and a more concise story than the previous few films. Wouldn't say IMAX adds anything."

"Scream 7" is scheduled to arrive in theaters on February 27, with many locations opening the night before. Regarding casting, Barrera was fired from the movie in November 2023. After that, co-star Jenna Ortega quit the film. The remaining cast includes Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Mason Gooding, Joel McHale, Isabel May, Jimmy Tatro, Timothy Simons, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and more.

It will also include appearances by Matthew Lillard, Laurie Metcalf, Scott Foley, andDavid Arquette.