Matthew Lillard is back for the next installment in the Scream franchise, reprising his role as Stu Macher after nearly three decades. Scream 7 is set to hit theaters in February 2026, but Lillard’s taking the time now to talk about his upcoming Scream return.
In a new interview with CBR’s Grae Drake, Lillard, who can currently be seen in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, opened up about returning to the horror realm. Turns out, he was as excited to return as fans are to see him in Scream 7.
“I was really excited,” Lillard said when asked what his reaction was after getting the opportunity to come back as Stu, even though he very much died in the first Scream movie. Lillard replied, “Who, whoa, whoa. Get your opinion – what is that? Sir, your legs – just throwing heaps of – I know, it’s the movie.”
Lillard joked, “Go grab your TV and throw it on my head, and I’ll live.”
All kidding aside, Lillard admitted he’s a bit concerned that audiences will start asking questions about how and why Stu is back in Scream 7. “I’m definitely a little worried that people will question why I came back. Or, they’ll be like, ‘That was cheesy,’ or they hate my performance. Or they’re like…”
When asked if he was talking about the results or the actual work, Lillard clarified, “Work. I mean both, but really – one of the things I always think about; you do this thing, you have a script, you go out there, and you do your best, you’re trusting the director.”
“After that, it’s completely out of your hands. And the result just shows up, and you’re supposed to be there for it,” Lillard said.
Lillard is Nervous About His Comeback
Stu Macher wearing a red robe and standing in front of his front door looking at Randy Meeks in Scream.Image via Miramax
While it’s still unclear as to how Stu will return from the grave in Scream 7, Lillard told People back in September he was a bit apprehensive about coming back. “I’m nervous, because at this point in my life, the only thing I can do is sort of ruin how people consider Stu,” Lillard told the outlet. “[Especially] if I come back and I suck, or I was lame,” he added.
Production on Scream 7 wrapped in March 2024 and will feature the return of Neve Campbell as Sydney Prescott and Courtney Cox as Gale Weathers. The film will also feature Ethan Embry, Joel McHale, Mason Gooding, Mckenna Grace, Scott Foley, and David Arquette.
The original Scream, from director Wes Craven and writer Kevin Williamson, debuted back in 1996 and quickly evolved into a major horror franchise. Williamson is back as a co-writer and director for Scream 7. The movie was co-written by Williamson, Guy Busick, and James Vanderbilt.
Scream 7 will be released in theaters on Feb. 27, 2026.
Release Date
February 27, 2026
Director
Kevin Williamson
Writers
Guy Busick
Producers
William Sherak, Paul Neinstein
Neve Campbell
Sidney Prescott
Courteney Cox
Gale Weathers
Isabel May
Sidney’s Daughter
Jasmin Savoy Brown
Mindy Meeks-Martin