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 in *Scream 7*. Deadline confirmed that Lillard, who originally portrayed the memorable villain Stuart "Stu" Macher in the 1996 *Scream*, will once again grace the screen in the latest installment. This announcement has sparked curiosity among fans, especially considering Stu's fate in the first film. Will Lillard reprise his role as Stu, or will he take on a new character? The mystery remains, but Lillard himself hinted at his involvement through an intriguing Instagram post:

The *Scream* legacy continues to build with Lillard joining forces with returning stars Neve Campbell, who will once again portray Sidney Prescott, and Courteney Cox. They'll be accompanied by Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown, ensuring a robust cast for this much-anticipated sequel.

The journey to *Scream 7* hasn't been smooth, marked by significant changes behind the scenes. In November 2023, star Melissa Barrera was let go from the project due to her social media posts regarding the Gaza conflict. Just a day later, it was announced that Jenna Ortega, who played one of the Carpenter sisters central to the recent films, would not be returning either. This left the future of the franchise in question. However, the film saw a resurgence of hope when, in December 2023, director Christopher Landon stepped down, citing the project as a "dream job that turned into a nightmare." Stepping into the director's chair is none other than Kevin Williamson, the mastermind behind the original *Scream*, *Scream 2*, and *Scream 4*.

Additionally, the directing team Radio Silence, known for their work on *Scream* and *Scream 6*, announced in August 2023 that they would not be directing *Scream 7* but will remain on board as executive producers. The screenplay duties will be handled by Guy Busick, who co-wrote the previous two entries in the series.

Mark your calendars—*Scream 7* is slated to hit theaters on February 27, 2026, promising to bring back the thrills and chills that fans have come to love.