Jenna Ortega explains her departure from Scream franchise

Jenna Ortega, known for her role as Tara Carpenter, has explained her exit from the Scream series in a recent interview.

Jenna Ortega reveals decision to leave Scream franchise

Jenna Ortega has clarified her reasons for leaving the Scream franchise, which she announced two years ago. In an interview with The Cut, the 22-year-old actress, recognized for her role as Tara Carpenter, revealed that her departure was linked to the firing of her on-screen sister, Melissa Barrera, and the exit of directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin. Ortega stated that without the team she had grown to love, particularly Barrera, she felt it was not the right career move. She expressed a desire to focus on projects that involve original stories rather than established franchises. Barrera, who was let go after voicing political opinions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has also noted the supportive relationship she shares with Ortega despite their current professional disconnect.

Ortega's exit highlights the tension within the film industry regarding political expression and its consequences. The high-profile firing of Barrera for her pro-Palestinian stance raises questions about the limits of public discourse for actors. Ortega's choice also reflects a broader trend among young actors to prioritize creative integrity and original narratives over franchise roles, potentially reshaping industry standards. This situation could lead to a backlash against studios seen as politically intolerant, shifting how they handle public relations in the future.

Highlights

The future of the Scream franchise may depend on how studios handle political expression by their actors.