Actress Melissa Barrera on 'Abigail,' acting since departure from 'Scream'

ABC News’ Juju Chang sat down with actress Melissa Barrera to discuss her role in the horror-comedy film “Abigail” about a group of would-be criminals who attempt to kidnap a tween vampire ballerina.
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[@younusimam-thesalamproject6340]

She spoke out for the Palestinian people and their ethnic cleansing. Im so so happy she has found success despite being cancelled

[@Jarvi_]

She wasn’t cancelled, just fired. She will continue doing well

[@user-sd2xj3dk3e]

Great,beautiful,amazing actress.

[@user-dr2yz8um3d]

All of us have to be careful what to say these days It’s easy to step on toes

[@omarcogle1965]

​@@user-dr2yz8um3dThen let people be in their feelings, you can't be afraid to speak your mind because folks feel some type of way about it.

[@thismachinekillsfascists1138]

She had already filmed this movie when she opened her mouth far too wide, for someone who should stick to advocating the Mexican/indigenous American plight, and not others'. So, it waits to be seen if her obtuse comments have any affect on the future of her career.

[@junksies2154]

she doesn’t need scream to be a horror icon !! i hope she gets so many more projects !

[@bryans_cult]

She's horrible

[@No-Lie-I-Want-To-Die]

Yeah, she won't.

[@theitfactorjameswheezer2852]

@@bryans_cultno, you’re just a clown buddy

[@whoknows6918]

@@bryans_cultsure troll

[@bryans_cult]

@whoknows6918 Says the gen Melissa is trash.

[@diaryofafreebitch]

Imagine being fired because you don’t believe innocent people should be unalived in mass.

[@jeannnstezz47]

@@hassan.chavez15,000 children will haunt u

[@asia_com_ge9675]

@@hassan.chavez they didn't say only innocent people are being unalived in Gaza.

[@master-of-mind5881]

@@asia_com_ge9675politics

[@timeless9499]

@@hassan.chavez blud is putting words in their mouth

[@ArminHammur]

@@hassan.chavezyou’re dumb 😂

[@jennyvinyl85]

Her dismissal from scream was so unfair

[@hehasnolips1371]

How? She was the only one who said controversial things on twitter nobody else on the cast said brought up anything remotely about Palestine and etc most actors/models stray away from answering things Megan fox got fired from transformers for bringing up controversial things

[@Paidcrisisactor]

@@hehasnolips1371how about all the Jewish actors who spoke up in defense for Israel, they all got to keep their jobs. Talk about biased behavior!

[@drewhaase4590]

What did she say that was controversial?

[@Paidcrisisactor]

@@drewhaase4590 she basically called for a cease fire on the people of Gaza and spoke for the freedom of Palestine from the Israeli occupation.

[@ben_cena]

Paramount should have thought about their decision before making that ridiculous choice.

[@taylorlynn534]

Rip Angus Cloud💕

[@ricknash730]

Amazing and underrated actor.

[@egem8u]

tf does he have to do with this?

[@valeriie.04]

@@egem8u he’s in the movie, no need to be rude

[@boles14212]

Yes, rip 🩵

[@loucifer9618]

Rip Mackelmore

[@plp666]

Melissa was 100% right, and even if she wasn’t, should never have been fired for expressing her views. This movie looks good!

[@nsaurabh25]

Abigail is a really good movie. Highly recommend!

[@CandieP]

I just saw it. Went in blind, and throughly enjoyed it 😊

[@brianclaudio1942]

Agreed! Watched it twice in theaters and had a blast!

[@thrasherbuffysummers1]

Abigail is a 10/10 fun horror movie. I adore Melissa and I will always support her and follow her work! Love from the UK

[@marissamoore3577]

I need her back in Scream. Her departure was censorship.

[@kristenbridges5106]

Scream 5 and 6 will be Stab movies…. She never was a character

[@jesseowenvillamor6348]

​@@kristenbridges5106She was.

[@marissamoore3577]

@@kristenbridges5106 I'm pretty sure that's not the concept of the next movie. That's literally the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

[@hugolewis4896]

"Departure" - u mean fired cos of speaking up for Palestine, new age McCarthyism

[@jacobyalexander3809]

Good riddance this isn't Melissa's Franchise it's Neve's And Court's...Wes and Kevin made these movies FOR THEM

[@shahjehankhan151]

She is a versatile actor; she can play many roles. I hope she's get nominated for an Emmy or an Oscar.

[@No-Lie-I-Want-To-Die]

No she's been blacklisted. What an idiot. No one asked for her opinion. 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅

[@Rachel4momo]

I can’t wait to see Abagail because of Melissa. She’s amazing

[@clarice8693]

This movie was so good. Always on Melissa's side.

[@TheImbored101]

Melissa Barrera is a horror icon!! I highly recommend Abigail. It was so much fun! I loved all the stunts and effects.

[@regotoz]

The way he said TELENOVELA was perfect. Then he said barrrrraerA 😂

[@JohnSmith-nm4zd]

Justice for Melissa Barrera

[@sherrybelle3549]

She is so brave..it's take courage to spoke the truth ...now that's a 💎 in Hollywood..u don't see that often....congrat Melissa...🎉🎉🎉

[@egem8u]

im so happy for her for not allowing anyone to censor her & speaking out on an important issue, however, its so sad to see her still struggle with the whole scream thing. its total & complete BS. as an OG scream fan, she & jenna were brining in a new wave that was refreshing to see.

[@allyhaydar1951]

she is stunning, well done to her for standing up against injustice, imagine just being laid off because you stood up against genocide. Scream was only good because of her and Jenna tbh. Yes her new film was brilliant she brilliant actress that a fact, she can make any film look good

[@shemarlosscott2656]

Melissa Barrera is The Greatest

[@jazzyjaz9108]

She was the best to take over for Neve Campbell in such a beloved franchise but they f'd it up when they chose to discard Neve Campbell instead of giving her what she deserved and then they discard their new "It girl"🤦‍♀️ major fumble

[@lunarcat632]

fr discarded their whole cast lmao

[@XxforevercandygirlXx]

Sorry but neve I'd number 1

[@rydbthatsme]

Neve's back for 7 so they recovered already

[@NerdsPsychoticInterlude]

@@rydbthatsmeHave they though? I know hardcore scream fans who have let it go because of this and literaly don’t plan on watching 7 because they know it’s gonna be terrible story wise

[@maxinewest2191]

This seen like a rather good movie to watch.

[@kashanqadri3879]

Well said Melissa, sticking by your ground. Just incredible!!!

[@TheShakan973]

Beautiful actress: inside and out

[@marshallmedlock727]

I'm glad she has this "I said what I said" attitude. Scream didnt deserve her just like scream doesnt deserve neve campbell

[@sharrielee911]

Oh my goodness I wasn't expecting the end on who Abigail father was I screamed when I saw him like no way suoer big fan of his😊this movie is a definite must see...

[@CandieP]

He gave me Dracula vibes. 😂

[@sharrielee911]

@@CandieP you know that he was actually a vampire in the TV series "A discovery of witches" it's also another great show 😊 that's why I said I screamed when I saw him😅

[@CandieP]

@@sharrielee911 I gotta check that out. Thanks. 😊

[@sharrielee911]

@@CandieP your welcome 😊

[@ZoneXavierr]

Abigail was soooo good! Melissa really did that! I can't wait to see more of her projects

[@9razzler9]

the only one who isn't afraid of the hollywood system. it's sad when she isn't allowed to express her perspective and threatened with losing her job and livelihood

[@xxsawftxx9604]

She’s so cool and I love the movies !

[@stevencarterjr3403]

Yeah pal

[@monimuuu1]

Thanks for this interview!! Such an interesting conversation, she's amazing 😍!!! And Abigail is a really good movie, loved it, might watch it again. ✨

[@JulianoHuerta]

Such a class act . I hope nothing but the best for her 🇲🇽✨🤌🏼

[@WretchedDrummer]

The movie was really good! Melissa and Angus were my favorite characters, and of course the vampire girl.

[@luistalavera8068]

Beautiful, talented and an action badass, but most of all a kind woman that wants fighting to stop, James Gunn, that's your DCU Wonder Woman! Esa es mi Reina! Abigail 10/10 awesome film. Te amamos Melissa 🇲🇽🙌❤️

[@dariuschisholm7317]

She be perfect as wonder woman

[@SmokeWithMeInCT]

One of the best and real actresses of the era

[@tvsrn44]

I am really starting to question the Scream teams management. They first completely disregarded Neve Campbell’s demands after carrying a franchise for years. Then they fire people for taking a strong political stance. Super shady.

[@huntersmith7796]

we stan Melissa

[@JaiProdz]

we love her!

[@traydaniel0403]

I saw Abigail last Saturday. Pretty great movie if you ask me. Too funny, but one of my favorite horror movie of 2024! Glad to hear that Melissa teamed up with Radio Silence after Scream 5 & 6. I still hate that Paramount & Spyglass fired her for no reasons. They’re so gonna regret that! I DO hope that Melissa Barrera gets cast as the new Wonder Woman in James Gunn’s new DCU films.

[@princess7strawberry]

“Ready or Not” is in my top five favorite movies, so I had a lot of hype riding on this movie. It met my expectations, didn’t quite clear the bar of “Ready or Not”for me, but still delivered on what I wanted- more ballet-themed horror. This was the first film that I’ve seen Melissa Barrera in, and she acted very well!

[@j.r.5266]

She deserves the world ❤

[@denny7403]

RIP Angus Cloud & she was AMAZING in Abigail. 🦾

[@tonyy974]

Love her soooo much

[@dariuschisholm7317]

I wanna drive her bath water

[@aliasocfan3199]

Such a fun movie. I hope people go see it.

[@GoBirds2]

I have watched every single scream movie since the original (multiple times) its safe to say I will not be watching the 7th. Such a shame, because Scream was one of my favorite movie franchises.

[@a.jamesson]

She deserves only the best ❤❤

[@Guez_art]

Great film, Melissa is amazing!

[@SnOwFlAkE0588]

Abigail was great!!! Melissa, scream will not be the same!! Us true fans were looking forward to the next film and I know I am happy that the drama didn't stop your bag!!

[@user-dr2yz8um3d]

She is a very very good actress I actually like her a lot in Vida And she did a great job in Scream 5 and 6 It really was a mistake on her part commenting on the war going on in the Middle East, a lot of us are unsure what to feel or properly say about it It’s an example of how to tread lightly when it comes to these kind of things

[@natehatetrain9284]

So now actors aren’t allowed to have a voice in things?

[@OoXLR8oO]

How is it a mistake? She’s right, and has been for months.

[@Starship-SN10]

Standing up for what's right is never a mistake

[@NerdsPsychoticInterlude]

Not a mistake, I’d say Melissa opened the door for celebs to start standing up to the censorship of anything cause now months later people are far more open about sharing the same opinion 😊

[@cs.a.745]

To be honest every sane person who knows her should support her in my opinion...

[@XxforevercandygirlXx]

No

[@TheShakan973]

Unfortunately there’s a large number of brain dead people who think collective punishment is OK

[@omarcogle1965]

She has a right to her opinion.

[@omiip3029]

Love her

[@yoursweethoneyyyy]

we love you melissa and we will miss you sam!

[@kyreegreen9248]

Scream was so good with the two actors in it I’m really hoping things change cause I only really watched cause of them

[@kjayzkitchen8172]

I so love her

[@farrellyamel]

Gram entrevista. Muy buenas preguntas ❤

[@mironricardo]

As much as i like Scream, it's good to know the dudes who made it are still into horror. I was worried about the soured departure potentially stopping them from making more movies. Abigail made me smile and was a surprisingly delightful watch.

[@RaymondReigns]

She's very beautiful, and she sis a great job

[@connormcleod9595]

Great actor❤❤❤❤

[@andym.3711]

Te amoooo 🇲🇽

[@surfer1927]

Great Movie and Cast

[@josephtalksalot9182]

Is it on demand yet

[@randy8483]

Abigail was amazing! 10/10!

[@1988vikable]

speaking out and protesting the genocide of the Palestinian people was very brave and honorable. She is Mexican and there is no reason for her to be "antisemitic" people in fact 40,000 jews live in Mexico and A female jew might be the president of Mexico soon. As a Mexican I support her stance on the inhumanity occuring in Israel.

[@MalibuDollface]

It was so good !!!!

[@_PROBL3M]

I love her

[@simpleplanfan011]

I saw Abigail on opening day and I think Melissa will be just fine. She was absolutely brilliant in it. Spyglass made a huge mistake letting her go.

[@theJovii100]

queen

[@summerf.9716]

Thank you for not being afraid to speak up! We love you, Melissa! Scream is not worth watching if you’re not in it!!!

[@traquanchavis1100]

😂scream was around before she was even born stop it

[@summerf.9716]

@@traquanchavis1100 Obviously I meant the scream movie that she was supposed to be in 🙄

[@traquanchavis1100]

@@summerf.9716 Sydney is coming back lol it’s gonna be way better than it would have been 💀

[@summerf.9716]

@@traquanchavis1100 Sydney is old news 😂 I’d like to see the numbers that movie pulls now after that Jenna and Melissa aren’t in it. You know, the actresses young people follow these days.

[@maruec86]

Que guapa se ve. Wonderful young lady 😊

[@GrizzleyBruin]

So cool!

[@noonehitwonder]

Wait so the universal monster-verse is a thing again?…even more excited 🫶🏾

[@SLBCronus]

As Latinos - we need to support movies that Melissa is in 🤗

[@tommmee8759]

Agree 100 percent

[@joseluisortizcastro5617]

Yes!❤ hopefully I can go tomorrow to the cinema 🇨🇦🇲🇽

[@harenyong4932]

She is the light in our dark world

[@user-nx8hc7nr6n]

I love this movie!

[@strawberrylime33]

Had no idea she was a telenovela actress!! How big are telenovelas in other countries?

[@uselessnobody4178]

I did not realize they were still trying to do the Univiersal Monster Universe. 😭😭

[@raulestevez7307]

She is officially a final girl with this film, Scream doesn’t deserve her

[@j4r3d29]

Love Melissa. That’s my moms name too haha

[@randomgeekcrap]

Abigail was way better then the last 2 scream and Melissa and the entire cast were so good

[@b5896kee]

I’m genuinely confused why people can’t say genocide is bad and condemn the killings from BOTH SIDES.

[@OoXLR8oO]

Are there 30k dead bodies on both sides?

[@GunnarAndersen-ee5hx]

I touting my self many times after seen you in Vida, it,s somthing about you

[@rydbthatsme]

I'm glad she's able to move on, I liked her in 6, but you also have to understand putting your views out on a public forum that not everyone agrees with and could cause backlash isn't a good look for your employer. No different than any other job and more people should realize that. I think she thought maybe she was invincible and learned the hard way she wasn't.

[@OoXLR8oO]

Except what she said shouldn't have gotten her fired??

[@OoXLR8oO]

Maybe we can talk about how Spyglass didn't talk to her or let her clarify anything and tried to blacklist her instead?

[@TheAvengersRising]

Another lovely latina from Mexico. Gosh I wish I had a girlfriend beautiful just like her. Wow, she and Eiza are comfortable in their homes in Hollywood.

[@GunnarAndersen-ee5hx]

One time you sad you woud mary me, do you still wan,t to . Melissa take care my love!!

[@saibot6227]

Its very very hard not supporting the scream franchise anymore

[@pablo934]

She is a hero Guerrera

[@athisio836]

Abigail was a pretty good movie.

[@AwakeningSiyaa]

Melissa thank you for being a voice for the voiceless. Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@christopheralex6471]

Melissa has more class than Spyglass will ever have. They know they effed up by firing her.

[@chi2stl]

Gosh she is so frickin amazing 🤩 beautiful graceful and intelligent I loved her in scream and can’t wait to watch Abigail I hope she continues to succeed so many ppl lost their jobs bc their bosses are zionists keep your head held high they won’t break us!

[@pnkflmngs4084]

She took a stance and paid a price for it now, but it's so clear in the future she will be vindicated.

[@TearYouApart360]

She was great in Abigail. I don't necessarily agree with her opinion. But it doesn't sit well with me that she lost her job over voicing her opinion. I feel like we've become so divide that we can't even bear the sight of those with opposing opinions. Personally, i feel like there is a fair compromise that could end the bloodshed on both sides.

[@cylehendricks8892]

Hope she finds success despite the nonsense over her comments. Ridiculous you aren’t allowed to have your own opinion and if you do, you get punished for it. On a side note, why do they always have to bring up race? They obviously chose her to do the role, doubt they cared if she was Latina , white, black blue or whatever. She’s great in every role I’ve seen her in so far and her being Latina has nothing to do with it.

[@xaybeast522]

They did her so dirty firing her from Scream, especially with how much she brought to the newer films. "Freedom of speech" until it's bad for business I guess...fucking disgusting.

[@JohnSmith-nm4zd]

I'm watching Abigail just for Melissa Barrera

[@MYFAVORITES5]

Same

[@aisforapple25]

This will be the last movie we will see her. Her face was covered for half the movie and what she said won’t be forgiven. She’s not even that good an actor. She needs a prayer.

[@Zeroantagonist88]

She's so fine

[@ArroyoVideo]

I love her for speaking up 👍I will support anything she is in :)

[@ridhaakenny]

Yes Yes Yes Melissa. I love you. Free Palestine 🇵🇸 I’m so happy that she’s happy and at peace 🤲🏼🤍🌻

[@donaldflowers6169]

Melissa Barrera I love you your acting is surberb go gurl I want you back with scream how y'all going to fire her because of her opinion you can't have an opinion dam

[@mylifefornick]

They should make a spin off of the Scream sereies and have her be like Dexter with her dad telling her how to kill lol

[@stevencarterjr3403]

She so Cool.