Matthew Lillard Says SCREAM 7 Brings Back Classic Energy and Testing Is Through The Roof
The next chapter of the iconic slasher saga is on the way, and fans havd a lot to be excited about. Scream 7 is leaning into nostalgia, bringing original cast members back into the fold, and even teasing the long debated return of Stu Macher.
During a recent conversation about his work on Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, Matthew Lillard opened up about stepping back into one of the wildest roles of his career and hinted at the tone, story direction, and early reactions to Scream 7.
This movie has been through a chaotic development cycle, but everything suggests the finished product is shaping up to be something long time fans will enjoy.
Originally, Christopher Landon was set to direct Scream 7 after fans praised his balance of horror and comedy in Happy Death Day and Freaky, along with his terrifying entries in the Paranormal Activity series.
Things took a sharp turn when franchise lead Melissa Barrera was fired following comments she made on social media about the Israel and Palestine conflict. Jenna Ortega soon exited and Landon followed. The entire plan for the film fell apart really quick.
That shakeup led Spyglass Media Group to bring back Kevin Williamson, the creator of Scream and writer of the first two films. They reunited him with original stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, David Arquette, Scott Foley, and Matthew Lillard, giving the new movie a different identity that leans back toward the classic tone of the earlier chapters.
Speaking with CBM, Lillard explained how he ended up coming back as Stu Macher:
"Yeah, they didn't really have to sell me. It was one of those things where I got a call from Kevin Williams in the middle of the day when I was on a long walk, and I was like, 'Oh, that's weird, he's calling me.
“He doesn't call me.' I'd just seen him three weeks earlier, so I picked up and said, 'Why are you calling me?' He said, 'Come back.'"
"It was a shock. I never expected it. In fact, he was out saying, 'Stu doesn't come back and the franchise doesn't need Lillard.' That was so mean! [Laughs] That's my bit. I've been on the circuit talking about Stu coming back. It was part of my schtick."
"[Kevin] pitched the idea, I was excited to read it, and I got the script a couple of weeks later," Lillard continued. "I think it's great. Wes [Craven] would be very proud.
“It's in the lines of what the franchise used to be. I think the franchise was in a great place with that new team. Melissa was fantastic, the boys were great, and Radio Silence were fantastic directors."
He also shared what fans can expect from the movie’s tone now that Williamson is behind the camera.
"Kevin's take is a little more traditional in terms of the Scream franchise, and I think people are going to be excited. I hope they are. Early on, testing has been through the roof, which is thrilling. I'm excited to see what happens."
The recent reboot films gave Scream new high energy with a younger cast and clever commentary for a modern audience. Even so, fans never stopped asking about the original survivors and killers.
With Scream 7 leaning into a more classic style, the nostalgia factor is strong. The biggest question still on everyone’s mind is how Stu Macher could possibly return after his unforgettable death scene in the first film. Lillard stayed quiet on the specifics, keeping the mystery alive.
Story details released so far place Sidney Prescott at the center again. When a new Ghostface appears in the quiet town where Sidney has built a life with her daughter, played by Isabel May, her world is shattered. Protecting her family forces her to confront her past all over again.
Joining Campbell in the cast is Joel McHale as Sidney’s husband Mark Evans. Foley returns as Roman Bridger, and Lillard and Arquette are back as well. Their characters are dead which leaves fans wondering how the story will approach these returns.
New cast members include Anna Camp, Mark Consuelos, Ethan Embry, Asa Germann, Mckenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, Sam Rechner, Michelle Randolph, and Jimmy Tatro.
Williamson directs Scream 7 with a screenplay by Guy Busick based on a story by Busick and James Vanderbilt. This marks the first time the original creator is directing a chapter in the franchise.
Scream 7 hits theaters February 27, 2026.