Scream Franchise Welcomes Matthew Lillard's Return for 7th Installment

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 reunion is partially underway, 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 hurdles. Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the project in November 2023 following social media posts regarding the Gaza conflict. A day later, it was announced that Jenna Ortega would not return, removing both Carpenter sisters, central to the franchise since 2022's Scream, from the cast.

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Further 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 that they would not return to direct Scream 7, but remain as executive producers. Guy Busick, co-writer of the previous two installments, is back to pen the screenplay.

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