Matthew Lillard Returns as OG Scream Star in Scream 7

Exciting news for fans of the iconic horror franchise: Matthew Lillard is set to return for *Scream 7*. According to Deadline, Lillard, who portrayed the memorable antagonist Stuart "Stu" Macher in the original 1996 *Scream* film, will be starring in the upcoming installment. This announcement has sparked curiosity among fans about how Lillard will fit into the narrative, especially considering the fate of his character in the first movie. Whether he'll reprise his role as Stu or take on a new character remains a tantalizing mystery. Lillard himself hinted at his involvement with an intriguing post on Instagram:

The *Scream* legacy continues to grow, with Lillard joining the returning cast members Neve Campbell, who will reprise her iconic role as Sidney Prescott, and Courteney Cox. They'll be joined by Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown, adding to the excitement surrounding the film.

The journey to *Scream 7* hasn't been without its challenges. The project faced uncertainty after the departure of stars Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega. Barrera was let go in November 2023 following her social media posts about the Gaza conflict, and Ortega announced her exit the following day, leaving the Carpenter sisters, central to the series since *Scream* (2022), out of the picture.

Further complicating the film's development, director Christopher Landon stepped down in December 2023, describing his experience as "a dream job that turned into a nightmare." Fortunately, Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter behind the original *Scream*, *Scream 2*, and *Scream 4*, has stepped in to direct. Meanwhile, the *Scream* and *Scream 6* directing duo, Radio Silence, will not return to direct but will serve as executive producers. Guy Busick, who co-wrote the last two films, is back to pen the screenplay.

Mark your calendars: *Scream 7* is slated to slash its way into theaters on February 27, 2026. Get ready for another thrilling chapter in the *Scream* saga!