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 sparks intrigue among franchise fans, considering Stu's demise in the first film. Will Lillard reprise his role as Stu, or take on a new character? The details remain shrouded in mystery, though Lillard hinted at his involvement via an Instagram post (embedded below).

The original Scream cast is partially reuniting, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell (reprising her iconic 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 challenges. In November 2023, Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the project following social media posts concerning 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 their departure from Scream 7 in August 2023, but remain as 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.