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Matthew Lillard Reflects on the Legacy of *Scream*

Actor Matthew Lillard recently shared memories from his time filming the landmark 1996 horror film *Scream*, offering fans a glimpse into the making of this now-iconic movie during a panel discussion at MegaCon in Orlando, Florida.

During the event on February 7, Lillard, alongside his former co-star Skeet Ulrich, reminisced about the camaraderie that developed among the cast and crew. “The *Scream* set was my college experience,” Lillard stated, recalling their days spent in Santa Rosa, California. “We were just a group of young people working from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Afterward, we’d convene in David Arquette’s hotel room and celebrate life. It was a transformative period for all of us, and it forged friendships that persist to this day.”

Lillard also revealed exciting news for fans of the franchise: he will reprise his role in the upcoming *Scream 7*, which is scheduled for release in February 2026. “I’ve been asked countless times if I’m coming back since the original was released,” he shared. “I’m thrilled to say that I am.”

The original *Scream* cast included a mix of emerging talents and well-known actors, such as Neve Campbell, Rose McGowan, Jamie Kennedy, Courteney Cox, and Drew Barrymore. Ulrich reflected on the unexpected rise of the film, noting that the initial cast and crew had no indication that it would achieve the cultural status it enjoys today. “At that time, we were just a group of aspiring actors trying to break into the industry,” Ulrich commented. “We were taking a bold chance on a project that even Hollywood was hesitant to support.”

Interestingly, Ulrich revealed that *Scream* faced significant challenges early in production. “Two weeks in, the film was nearly shut down after Miramax executives expressed doubts about the footage of the renowned opening scene featuring Drew Barrymore,” he explained. “They were uncertain about the direction the film was taking.”

He added that the project was saved when director Wes Craven and two producers hastily edited the initial sequence and presented it to the Weinsteins in New York, convincing the studio to proceed with the production. “It was a time when we were simply enjoying our work and embracing the uncertainty of the film’s success. It goes to show that following your passion can lead to unexpected and extraordinary outcomes,” Ulrich concluded.

Source
people.com