OG Scream Star Matthew Lillard Is Back for Scream 7

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 speculating about Lillard's role, considering Stu's fate in the first film. Will he reprise his iconic character or take on a new one? Lillard himself hinted at his involvement in an Instagram post (see below).

The reunion of original Scream cast members continues, 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, and Jenna Ortega also departed, leaving both Carpenter sisters absent from the sequel.

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Further 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, announced in August 2023 that they wouldn't return to direct Scream 7, but remain executive producers. Guy Busick, co-writer of the previous two installments, is back to pen the screenplay.

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