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. Deadline confirmed that Lillard, renowned for his role as the chilling antagonist Stuart "Stu" Macher in the original 1996 Scream, will star in the upcoming installment. This announcement has sparked curiosity and speculation among the franchise's dedicated followers about how Lillard's character might fit into the narrative, given Stu's fate in the first film. Will he reprise his role as Stu, or will he take on a new character? Lillard himself has hinted at his involvement through an intriguing Instagram post, which you can view below.

The return of Lillard adds to the excitement, as he joins a cast that includes returning stars Neve Campbell, who will reprise her role as Sidney Prescott, and Courteney Cox. Newcomers to the series, such as Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown, will also feature in Scream 7. This reunion of original and new cast members promises to bring a fresh yet nostalgic vibe to the franchise.

The journey to Scream 7 has been fraught with challenges. The film faced significant hurdles when star Melissa Barrera was let go in November 2023 following her social media posts about the conflict in Gaza. Just a day later, it was announced that Jenna Ortega, who played one of the Carpenter sisters central to the series since Scream (2022), would not be returning either. These departures cast doubt on the project's future. However, the film found new hope when Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter of the original Scream, Scream 2, and Scream 4, stepped in to direct after Christopher Landon exited in December 2023, describing his experience as a "dream job that turned into a nightmare." Additionally, the directing duo Radio Silence, who helmed Scream and Scream 6, announced in August 2023 that they would not direct Scream 7 but will remain involved as executive producers. Guy Busick, who co-wrote the last two entries, is set to pen the screenplay for this new chapter.

Scream 7 is slated to hit theaters on February 27, 2026, promising to deliver another thrilling addition to the beloved series.