They came for me, knives out: Christopher Landon on why he exited Scream 7 direction

ANI April 10, 2025 132 views

Director Christopher Landon shocked fans by revealing the intense backlash he experienced after Melissa Barrera's exit from Scream 7. He received terrifying death threats targeting his children, forcing studio security and the FBI to get involved. Landon ultimately decided to step away from the project, feeling unappreciated and unsafe. The franchise will continue with original screenwriter Kevin Williamson now directing, and Neve Campbell returning to the series.

"They came for me, knives out" - Christopher Landon
Washington DC, April 10: Director Christopher Landon opened up about his shocking exit from the upcoming' Scream 7'. The filmmaker announced his departure from the horror sequel in December 2023, about a month after Melissa Barerra was fired from the movie due to social media posts she wrote about Israel and Palestine, reported Variety.

Key Points

1

Director faced extreme online harassment after actress's controversial exit

2

Death threats targeted Landon's family and personal safety

3

FBI and studio security investigated threatening messages

4

Landon chose to walk away from dream project

It was also followed by Jenna Ortega's exit from the movie.

While explaining his unexpected exit from the movie, the director said that he used to receive death threats for firing actress Barerra from the film after her exit.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, as quoted by Variety, the director shared the aftermath of Barerra's exit.

"I got messages saying, 'I'm going to find your kids, and I'm going to kill them because you support child murder. The head of security at various studios and the FBI had to examine the threats. It was highly aggressive and really scary," said Landon to Vanity Fair, as quoted by Variety.

The filmmaker said that he was reportedly blamed for the actress's exit because the fans thought that it was always the director's decision to fire artists in the movie.

"I think in the absence of people understanding how Hollywood works and what the hierarchy is, the fans were like, 'That's the guy.' And so they came for me, knives out."

He continued, "I did not fire her. A lot of people think I had something to do with it, and it was not my doing. I had no control of the situation at all." as quoted by Variety

When Landon announced his exit in December 2023, he wrote on social media that getting "Scream 7" was "a dream job that turned into a nightmare." He told Vanity Fair the death threats against him are why.

"I decided I didn't want to give any part of myself to that," Landon said, as quoted by Variety.

"For me, it was not worth it. I would rather put my efforts into something else where I could feel appreciated and respected. The hate and abuse really spoiled it for me, and I lost my love for the idea of going forward," he added.

Landon also expressed his sadness for losing out on his dream job amid the chaos.

"In the midst of all the chaos, I was grieving the loss of one of my dream jobs," said Landon to Vaniety Fair, as quoted by Variety.

'Scream 7' has moved on with Kevin Williamson, the franchise's original screenwriter, stepping in to direct. The movie will feature the return of franchise icon Neve Campbell.

Reader Comments

S
Sarah K.
This is so heartbreaking to read. No one should have to deal with death threats over a movie! 😔 I hope Landon finds peace and gets another project he's passionate about.
M
Mike T.
Fans need to understand that directors don't make all the decisions. Studios have way more power in these situations. The hate mob mentality is out of control.
J
Jamie L.
While I disagree with Barrera's firing, threatening someone's family is NEVER okay. This whole situation has been handled so poorly by everyone involved.
A
Alex R.
I'm excited for Neve Campbell's return, but this whole ordeal has left a bad taste in my mouth. The Scream franchise deserves better than this drama.
D
Dana P.
Honestly, I think Landon could have handled this better. A public statement clarifying his position earlier might have helped. But the threats are unacceptable regardless.
T
Trevor M.
This is why we can't have nice things. Fans go way too hard over movies. It's entertainment, not life or death! Hope Landon bounces back stronger 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Christopher Landon Scream 7 Hollywood Drama Movie Controversy Melissa Barrera Horror Films
You May Like!