Matthew Lillard has always said he would be interested in returning to the “Scream” franchise but now he admits that the whole thing has him ‘slightly terrified’…
Ever since that television fell on Stu Macher’s head back in 1996’s smash hit “Scream,” fans have been wondering if Stu Macher — as played by the wonderful Matthew Lillard — would ever actually return to the franchise.
While his character’s demise wasn’t as definitive as say Billy Loomis, who literally got a bullet to the head, the horror franchise still found a way to bring back Skeet Ulrich in “Scream 5” and “Scream 6” as a ghost of sorts haunting his daughter Samantha (Melissa Barrera). That’s why Stu’s return always seemed possible but now it’s actually happening after Lillard officially signed on to play a role in the upcoming “Scream 7” due out February 27, 2026.
During an appearance at 90s Con this past weekend, Lillard was asked about his appearance in “Scream 7” and while he couldn’t actually say anything about the film itself, he admits taking on that role again was a little intimidating because of the incredible impact the first “Scream” film made.
“I will say, I can’t say anything about it, obviously. But I am very excited and slightly terrified to be back because all I can do is really screw up a legacy that we have,” Lillard said (via People).
“I could really suck, and so that’s my fear. My fear is that I come back and sort of punish something that I could never have touched and been just fine. I hope I don’t f it up for everyone.”
It’s tough to believe that Lillard would mess anything up, especially given his veteran acting skills and the way he’s always praised the “Scream” series even after he only appeared in the first film.
There’s still not much known about “Scream 7” outside of original screenwriter Kevin Williamson returning to direct the latest sequel with a script from Guy Busick, who also penned “Scream 5” and “Scream 6.”
The film stars Neve Campbell as she returns to reprise her role as Sidney Prescott after sitting out “Scream 6” over salary disputes and she’s joined by plenty of familiar faces from the past including Courteney Cox as well as David Arquette and Scott Foley — despite both of their characters dying in past films.
Production on “Scream 7” started some time ago so it’s tough to know how soon we might actually see some footage from the film but the movie is set for release on Feb. 27, 2026 and then Lillard can judge for himself about his return.
