Matthew Lillard Returns for Scream 7
Deadline reports that Matthew Lillard, the iconic antagonist Stuart "Stu" Macher from the original 1996 Scream, will star in Scream 7.
This news has ignited fan speculation. Will Lillard reprise his role as Stu, despite the events of the first film? Or will he portray a new character? The details remain shrouded in mystery, although Lillard hinted at his involvement via an Instagram post (embedded below).
The reunion of original Scream cast members continues, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell (reprising her role as Sidney Prescott), and Courteney Cox in Scream 7. Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown are also confirmed.
This announcement is significant, given the film's turbulent production history. Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the project in November 2023 following social media activity related to the Gaza conflict. Shortly after, Jenna Ortega's non-return was confirmed, removing both Carpenter sisters, central to the franchise since 2022's Scream, from the cast.
AnswerSee ResultsFurther complicating matters, director Christopher Landon departed in December 2023, describing the experience as a "dream job that turned into a nightmare." Kevin Williamson, writer of the first, second, and fourth Scream films, has since assumed the directorial role.
Radio Silence, the directing duo behind Scream and Scream 6, announced their departure from Scream 7 in August 2023, but remain as executive producers. Guy Busick, co-writer of the previous two installments, returns to pen the screenplay.
Scream 7 is slated for release on February 27, 2026.
