OG Scream Star Matthew Lillard Is Back for Scream 7

Matthew Lillard Returns to the Scream Franchise 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 ignited fan speculation about Lillard's role, given Stu's fate in the first film. Will he reprise his role as Stu, or take on a new character? Lillard himself hinted at his involvement via an Instagram post (embedded below).

The return of Lillard reunites him with several original cast members, including Neve Campbell (reprising her role as Sidney Prescott) and Courteney Cox. Other confirmed cast members include Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown.

The announcement is significant, considering the film's turbulent production history. 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. In December 2023, director Christopher Landon also exited the project, citing a difficult experience. Kevin Williamson, writer of the first, second, and fourth Scream films, has since taken over as director.

Radio Silence, the directing duo behind Scream and Scream 6, announced their departure from Scream 7 in August 2023, though they 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.

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