Matthew Lillard Returns for Scream 7

Matthew Lillard is returning for Scream 7. Deadline reported that Lillard, who memorably portrayed the antagonist Stuart "Stu" Macher in the original 1996 Scream film, will star in the seventh installment.

This news has Scream fans buzzing, especially considering Stu's fate in the first movie. Will Lillard reprise his role as Stu, or will he take on a new character? The mystery remains, though Lillard hinted at his involvement in an Instagram post (see below).

The original Scream cast is partially reuniting, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell (reprising her 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 a turbulent production. In November 2023, Melissa Barrera was reportedly dismissed from the project following social media posts. A day later, it was announced that Jenna Ortega would not return, leaving the Carpenter sisters, central to the franchise since 2022's Scream, absent from the sequel.

Then, in December 2023, director Christopher Landon departed the project, citing a difficult experience. Kevin Williamson, writer of the first, second, and fourth Scream films, subsequently took over directing duties.

Radio Silence, the directing duo behind Scream and Scream 6, announced in August 2023 that they wouldn't return to direct Scream 7, but remain as executive producers. Guy Busick, co-writer of the previous two films, is back to pen the screenplay.

Scream 7 is slated for release in cinemas on February 27, 2026.