Matthew Lillard Returns as OG Scream Star in Scream 7

Exciting news for horror fans: Matthew Lillard is set to return for Scream 7. According to Deadline, Lillard, renowned for his role as the iconic antagonist Stuart "Stu" Macher in the original 1996 Scream film, will star in the upcoming sequel. This announcement has sparked curiosity and speculation among fans, particularly regarding how Lillard's character can return given the events of the first movie. Will he reprise his role as Stu, or will he portray a new character? While this remains a mystery, Lillard himself teased his involvement on Instagram, adding to the anticipation.

The return of Lillard joins the reunion of other original cast members, including Neve Campbell, who will reprise her role as Sidney Prescott, and Courteney Cox. They will be joined by Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown. This development comes after a tumultuous period for the franchise. In November 2023, Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the film following her social media posts about the conflict in Gaza. The next day, it was announced that Jenna Ortega would not be returning, meaning both Carpenter sisters, central to the series since Scream (2022), were no longer involved.

Further complications arose in December 2023 when director Christopher Landon left the project, describing it as a "dream job that turned into a nightmare." However, hope for the franchise's future was rekindled when Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter of the original Scream, Scream 2, and Scream 4, stepped in as director. Additionally, while the directing duo Radio Silence, who helmed Scream and Scream 6, announced in August 2023 that they wouldn't be returning to direct Scream 7, they will remain involved as executive producers. Guy Busick, co-writer of the previous two films, is set to pen the screenplay for this new installment.

Scream 7 is scheduled to hit theaters on February 27, 2026, promising to bring back the thrills and chills that fans have come to love while introducing new elements to the beloved franchise.