Pro-Palestinian activists gathered outside Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles on Wednesday evening, demanding audiences boycott Scream 7 following the dismissal of actress Melissa Barrera from the franchise.
Approximately 25 demonstrators assembled as cast members arrived for the world premiere, waving flags and displaying placards with messages including "Cancel Paramount+" and accusations that the studio maintains a blacklist of performers critical of Israel.
The protest was organised by Entertainment Labor for Palestine, CODEPINK LA and Jewish Voice for Peace-Los Angeles.
Organiser Nino Testa stated: "We believe that Melissa Barrera is a part of the Scream community and that it's our responsibility to speak out when a member of our community has been harmed."
We showed up to say: Resist blacklisting. Boycott Scream 7. Free Palestine. https://t.co/P64P8tFgVZ
— BoycottScream7 (@BoycottScream7) February 26, 2026
Ms Testa added: "We refuse to let the franchise we love be used as propaganda for a genocide."
Kevin Williamson, who stepped in to direct the seventh instalment, offered a measured response when asked about the demonstration during the premiere.
"I saw them and my heart just sort of stopped," he told The Hollywood Reporter.
The filmmaker emphasised his support for the protesters' constitutional rights, telling Deadline: "We live in America. We have the right to protest."
Melissa Barrera was fired from Scream
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He continued: "They have the right to be heard, and they have a right to speak to what your truth is, and I support that."
Speaking further to THR, Mr Williamson elaborated: "If you have your truth and if you want to stand up and be heard, you protest.
"That is your right in this country, and I stand by it. I support that 100 percent."
Spyglass Media Group terminated Ms Barrera's involvement in November 2023 after she posted social media content expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
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Kevin Williamson and Neve Campbell both addressed the protestors at the premiere
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The production company declared it had "zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form."
Co-star Jenna Ortega subsequently departed the project, later remarking that the sequel "was all kind of falling apart" without Ms Barrera to portray protagonist Sam Carpenter.
Director Christopher Landon also withdrew, citing "highly aggressive and really scary" death threats targeting his children.
These exits effectively dismantled a planned three-film narrative arc centred on Ms Barrera and Ms Ortega's characters.
Actor Joel McHale at the Scream 7 premiere
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Mr Williamson, who penned the original 1996 Scream directed by Wes Craven, was recruited to salvage the sequel. Production commenced in January 2025.
Neve Campbell returns as Sidney Prescott, now living quietly with husband Mark, played by Joel McHale, and daughter Tatum, portrayed by Isabel May. When a new Ghostface emerges, Sidney must protect her daughter from becoming the killer's latest target.
Courteney Cox reprises her role as Gale Weathers, while the cast features cameo appearances from franchise veterans including Matthew Lillard, David Arquette and Scott Foley.
Initial reactions following Wednesday's screening have been enthusiastic. Awards Radar's Joey Magidson described the film as "an effective slasher" and "the goriest of the series."