Sneak Peek: Melissa Barrera's Upcoming Film 'Your Monster' Unveiled Amidst 'Scream' Firing Controversy
In the captivating film 'Your Monster', Melissa Barrera embarks on a unique love story as she discovers a mysterious creature dwelling in her closet Prepare to be enthralled by this enchanting tale of unexpected connections
Melissa Barrera Courtesy of Sundance Institute/ Will Stone
Melissa Barrera remains in high demand following her unexpected departure from the seventh Scream film. The Sundance Film Festival unveiled a sneak peek of the 33-year-old's upcoming project on Wednesday, December 6, as it announced the lineup for the 40th annual event. Your Monster, a horror comedy film, is scheduled to debut at the festival in January 2024, and newly released stills suggest a captivating love story.
Your Monster, inspired by Caroline Lindy's short film of the same title, centers around a young woman who develops feelings for a peculiar creature residing in her closet. Lindy helmed, penned, and produced this eerie romantic comedy. Alongside Barrera, Your Monster stars Tommy Dewey, Meghann Fahy, Edmund Donovan, and Kayla Foster.
Courtesy of Sundance Institute/ Will Stone
Last month, it was revealed that Barrera had been let go from her role in Scream VII after making controversial comments about the Israel and Palestine conflict. According to Variety, Barrera shared social media posts accusing Israel of "genocide and ethnic cleansing" and using "the Holocaust to boost the Israeli arms industry," which ultimately resulted in her dismissal from the project. However, Spyglass Media Group, the production company behind the Scream films, denied that Barrera's comments about Palestine were the reason for her departure.
“Spyglass’ position is crystal clear: We completely reject antisemitism or the encouragement of hatred in any shape or form, including false mentions of genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion, or anything that clearly constitutes hate speech,” stated the company.
Barrera, known for playing Sam Carpenter in the slasher franchise, publicly responded to the situation on her Instagram Story the following day, stating, “Above all, I denounce Anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. I denounce any form of hate and discrimination against any group of people.”
Courtesy of Sundance Institute/ Will Stone
In her social media statement, Barrera noted that she felt a “responsibility” to speak out.
"As a proud Mexicana, I embrace the responsibility of having a platform that amplifies my voice and allows me to address issues that are important to me and advocate for those in need," she continued. "Every individual, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status, deserves equal human rights, dignity, and freedom."
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Deadline later reported that Jenna Ortega won’t reprise her role as Tara Carpenter because of her filming schedule for season 2 of Netflix’s Wednesday.
Barrera's career is soaring even after the Scream saga, as she has an upcoming untitled Universal Monsters movie in the works with Radio Silence Productions. She is teaming up with filmmakers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, Justin Martinez, and Chad Villella, who previously directed her in two Scream films.
