Skeet Ulrich explains how Melissa Barrera’s exit changed his 'Scream' future

Skeet Ulrich says Melissa Barrera’s firing stopped his Billy Loomis three-film 'Scream' arc from being fully completed

Scream star Skeet Ulrich has explained why he will not be able to complete the planned three-film story arc for his character Billy Loomis following Melissa Barrera’s departure from the franchise.

Ulrich played Billy, one of the original Ghostfaces, in the 1996 film. He later returned for Scream and Scream VI, with Billy appearing through hallucinations experienced by his daughter, Sam Carpenter, played by Barrera.

In an interview with Us Weekly, Ulrich said Billy’s storyline was directly connected to Sam and that the planned arc could not continue without Barrera.

“Without Melissa Barrera and Sam Loomis, there’s no Billy Loomis,” Ulrich said. He added that the filmmakers had discussed completing a “three-film arc” with him, but it was ultimately not finished.

Barrera was dismissed from the franchise by Spyglass Media Group ahead of Scream 7. At the time, the company said it had “zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form.” Barrera had made social media comments concerning Israel and the war in Gaza.

Barrera has since said she would not return to the franchise while Spyglass controls the rights. She said she loved making the Scream films but would only consider returning if the franchise moved to different leadership.

Ulrich’s comments come after fellow original Scream star Matthew Lillard said he felt embarrassed about returning as Stu Macher in Scream 7 following Barrera’s firing.

Despite largely negative reviews, Scream 7 became the highest-grossing film in the franchise. Scream 8 is now in development with writers Nora and Lilla Zuckerman.