Scream 7 Premiere Disrupted by Pro-Palestinian Protesters
On Wednesday, Paramount Studios hosted the premiere of its latest horror sequel, Scream 7, but the event faced interruptions as pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside the iconic studio lot on Melrose Avenue in Hollywood.
Protesters displayed a variety of signs, with messages such as “Cancel Paramount+” and claims that the studio maintains a blacklist against actors who criticize Israel. One sign notably supported Melissa Barrera, a former star of the franchise, who was let go in 2023 after voicing her support for Palestine.
There’s been considerable discussion lately about industry practices; a report revealed that Paramount had a list of actors it labeled as “excessively anti-Semitic” and “xenophobic.” This information was reported by a well-known publication.
Organizers of the protest included groups like Entertainment Labor for Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace Los Angeles. They aimed to spotlight what they describe as the film industry’s general suppression of pro-Palestinian narratives and the ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza.
These protests echo back to the time when Barrera was dismissed from Scream 7, following the escalating conflict in the region after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which led to Israel’s military response. Barrera had publicly called out these actions as genocide and ethnic cleansing.
The producers of Scream, Spyglass Entertainment, promptly ended their relationship with Barrera, who previously starred as Samantha Carpenter in the last two films. Shortly after her firing, the director of Scream 7, along with another key star from the previous films, also exited the project.
Eventually, original screenwriter Kevin Williamson came on board as the director and co-writer, collaborating with another screenwriter to craft the new installment, drawing from their previous work.
The new film features a mix of returning favorites like Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, alongside some fresh faces joining the franchise. “Scream 7” is set to hit theaters on Friday, with projections suggesting it could make between $40 million and $55 million in its opening weekend.
