Exciting news for horror fans: Matthew Lillard is set to return for *Scream 7*. Deadline confirmed that Lillard, renowned for his chilling portrayal of Stuart "Stu" Macher in the iconic 1996 *Scream* film, will star in the upcoming installment. This announcement has left fans buzzing with curiosity about how Lillard could possibly return, given the fate of his character in the original movie. Will he reprise his role as Stu, or take on a new character? The details are shrouded in mystery, but Lillard himself hinted at his involvement through an intriguing Instagram post, which you can view below.
The *Scream* franchise is reuniting some of its original stars, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell, who will reprise her iconic role as Sidney Prescott, and Courteney Cox in *Scream 7*. The film will also feature Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown. This reunion comes after a turbulent period for the film's development. In November 2023, Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the project following her social media comments on the Gaza conflict. Just a day later, it was announced that Jenna Ortega would also not be returning, leaving both Carpenter sisters, who had been central to the series since *Scream* (2022), out of the picture.
Further complicating matters, director Christopher Landon stepped away from *Scream 7* in December 2023, describing the experience as a "dream job that turned into a nightmare." However, the film has found a new direction with Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter behind the original *Scream*, *Scream 2*, and *Scream 4*, stepping in to direct. Although the directing duo Radio Silence, who helmed *Scream* and *Scream 6*, will not return to direct, they remain involved as executive producers. Guy Busick, co-writer of the last two *Scream* films, is set to pen the screenplay for *Scream 7*.
Mark your calendars: *Scream 7* is slated to hit theaters on February 27, 2026. With this thrilling cast and creative team, fans can look forward to another heart-pounding chapter in the beloved horror series.
