Actress Melissa Barrera expressed interest in starring in Paramount’s Scary Movie reboot just a week after the announcement at CinemaCon. At 33 years old, Barrera attended the red carpet for her new movie Abigail, and when asked about the possibility of being part of the reboot, she eagerly expressed her love for the original movies. The project, produced by Neal H. Moritz, is set to begin production in the fall, although it is unclear if any original cast members will return. Barrera’s interest in the project, despite being fired from the Scream franchise for her pro-Palestine tweets, could be a significant win for Paramount.
Barrera, who played Sam Carpenter in 2022’s Scream and its sequel, was removed from the franchise due to her tweets regarding the conflict between Israel and Palestine. She called Israel’s actions genocide and ethnic cleansing, leading to her dismissal from the production. The decision was made based on the insistence of zero tolerance for antisemitism or incitement of hate, with Barrera standing by her advocacy for peace, human rights, and freedom. Despite the controversial firing, Barrera’s interest in the Scary Movie reboot could provide a fresh start for her in the industry.
The original Scary Movie, released in 2000, was a parody of the 1996 film Scream. The possible casting of Barrera in the reboot, given her history with the Scream franchise, adds an ironic twist to the project. While there is no definite timeline for casting or details about the writing and directing team, Barrera’s involvement could bring a new perspective to the film. The original Scary Movie had an iconic cast, and it remains to be seen if any of them will be part of the reboot. Barrera’s enthusiasm for the project suggests that she is excited to see where it goes.
The Scary Movie reboot by Paramount has generated buzz in the industry, especially with the announcement of Fast & Furious producer Neal H. Moritz’s involvement. With production scheduled to begin in the fall, the project seems to be moving forward swiftly. While the original movie was a parody of Scream, the reboot has the potential to introduce a fresh take on the horror-comedy genre. Barrera’s interest in being part of the film opens up the possibility of a new chapter in her career, following the unexpected turn of events with the Scream franchise. Overall, the Scary Movie reboot holds promise for both the audience and the cast involved.
