Matthew Lillard Returns for Scream 7
Deadline reports that Matthew Lillard, the memorable antagonist Stuart "Stu" Macher from the original 1996 Scream, will star in Scream 7.
This news has fans wondering how Lillard's involvement is possible, given Stu's fate in the first film. Will he reprise his role, or take on a new character? The details remain shrouded in mystery, though Lillard hinted at his participation in an Instagram post (see below).
The original Scream cast is partially reuniting, 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 cast members.
This is significant news for a film that faced considerable production challenges. Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the project in November 2023 following social media posts regarding the Gaza conflict. A day later, Jenna Ortega's non-return was announced, 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 taken over directing duties.
Radio Silence, the directing duo behind Scream and Scream 6, announced in August 2023 their departure from Scream 7, though they remain 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.
