Matthew Lillard Returns as OG Scream Star in Scream 7

Matthew Lillard is set to make a thrilling return in Scream 7, as reported by Deadline. Lillard, who captivated audiences with his portrayal of the notorious villain Stuart "Stu" Macher in the original 1996 Scream, is poised to star in this latest installment. Fans are buzzing with curiosity about how Lillard's character will fit into the new narrative, especially considering Stu's fate in the first film. Will he reprise his iconic role, or will he take on a new character? The mystery deepens as Lillard himself hinted at his involvement through an intriguing Instagram post:

The excitement continues to build as Lillard joins forces with returning cast members Neve Campbell, who will once again play Sidney Prescott, and Courteney Cox. The ensemble is rounded out by Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown, promising a robust cast for this eagerly awaited film.

Scream 7's journey to the screen has been fraught with challenges. The project faced uncertainty following the dismissal of star Melissa Barrera in November 2023 due to her social media posts about the Gaza conflict. Shortly after, Jenna Ortega announced she would not be returning, leaving the franchise without the Carpenter sisters, who had been central to the series since the 2022 reboot. The film also saw the departure of director Christopher Landon in December 2023, who described the experience as a "dream job that turned into a nightmare." Amidst these shifts, Kevin Williamson, the writer behind the original Scream, Scream 2, and Scream 4, has stepped in to direct, bringing a fresh yet familiar perspective to the series. Radio Silence, the directing duo behind Scream and Scream 6, will not helm Scream 7 but remain on board as executive producers. Guy Busick, who co-wrote the previous two films, returns to pen the screenplay.

Mark your calendars for February 27, 2026, when Scream 7 slashes its way into theaters, promising to reignite the thrill and suspense that the franchise is known for.