Scream Franchise Welcomes Back Matthew Lillard for Seventh Installment

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 Scream fans buzzing, particularly given Stu's fate in the first film. Will Lillard reprise his role as Stu, or take on a new character? The mystery remains, though Lillard hinted at his involvement via an Instagram post (embedded below).

The reunion is significant, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell (reprising her iconic role as Sidney Prescott) and Courteney Cox in Scream 7. Other returning cast members include Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown.

This is exciting news for a film that faced considerable production hurdles. In November 2023, Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the project following social media posts concerning the Gaza conflict. A day later, Jenna Ortega's non-return was announced, removing both Carpenter sisters, central to the series since 2022's Scream, from the cast.

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Further complicating matters, director Christopher Landon left the project 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 their departure in August 2023, though they remain executive producers. Guy Busick, co-writer of the previous two installments, returns to pen the script for Scream 7.

Scream 7 is slated for release on February 27, 2026.