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 hinted at his involvement via an Instagram post (embedded below).
The reunion is partially underway, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell (reprising her 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 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. Shortly after, Jenna Ortega also departed, meaning both Carpenter sisters, central to the franchise since 2022's Scream, were no longer involved.
AnswerSee ResultsFurther 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, but remain as executive producers. Guy Busick, co-writer of the previous two installments, returns to pen the screenplay for Scream 7.
Scream 7 is slated for release on February 27, 2026.
