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 fans buzzing, especially considering Stu's fate in the first film. Will Lillard reprise his role, or take on a new character? The mystery remains, though Lillard himself hinted at his involvement via an Instagram post (embedded below).
The announcement reunites some original Scream cast members, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell (reprising her role as Sidney Prescott) and Courteney Cox. Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown are also confirmed.
This is significant news for a film that faced considerable production hurdles. Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the project in November 2023 following social media controversy. Jenna Ortega also departed, meaning neither of the Carpenter sisters, central to the 2022 Scream, would appear.
AnswerSee ResultsFurther complicating matters, director Christopher Landon left the project in December 2023, citing a difficult experience. 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, stepped down in August 2023 but 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.
