OG Scream Star Matthew Lillard Is Back for Scream 7

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 ignited fan speculation about his role. Will he reprise Stu, or take on a new character? Lillard himself hinted at his involvement via an Instagram post (see below).

The announcement marks a partial reunion of the original Scream cast, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell (reprising her role as Sidney Prescott) and Courteney Cox. Other confirmed cast members include Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown.

This is significant news for a film that faced considerable production hurdles. Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the project in November 2023 following controversial social media posts. Shortly after, Jenna Ortega's non-return was announced, removing both Carpenter sisters, central to the franchise since 2022's Scream.

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Further complicating matters, director Christopher Landon departed in December 2023, citing a difficult experience. Kevin Williamson, writer of the first, second, and fourth Scream films, has since taken the directorial reins. Radio Silence, the directing duo behind Scream and Scream 6, stepped away 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.