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Matthew Lillard Confirms Return as Stu Macher for Scream 7
Matthew Lillard, known for his role as Stu Macher in the iconic horror film Scream, made an appearance at MegaCon in Orlando, Florida, where he revealed his highly anticipated return to the franchise. During a panel discussion alongside co-star Skeet Ulrich, Lillard engaged fans with humor about his character’s resurrection in the upcoming Scream 7.
In the original 1996 film directed by Wes Craven, Lillard’s character was thought to be dead after a brutal sequence involving multiple stabbings and a television set falling on him. However, in the evolving narrative of the Scream series, surprises are commonplace, and death may not be as final as it seems.
According to People, Lillard expressed excitement about reprising his role. He humorously announced, “I’ve been asked literally 1,000 times a day since the first movie ended if I’m coming back.” This long-awaited confirmation added to the enthusiasm of fans who have lobbied for his return to the franchise that launched his career.
He playfully shared, “I’m happy to report I am. I come back as a fairy godmother. It’s gonna slay.”
Lillard’s involvement isn’t limited to Scream 7; he briefly appeared in Scream 2 and lent his voice to party scenes in 2022’s Scream. These cameo moments have left fans speculating about how his character survived the events of the original movie, contributing to a growing tapestry of interconnections within the franchise.
Matthew Lillard Calls Scream a “College Experience”
Set against the backdrop of its December 20, 1996 release, Scream was not only a commercial success, grossing over $170 million but also pivotal for the career trajectories of its young cast members, including Lillard. Prior to this breakout role, his notable appearances were limited, making Scream a life-altering experience.
Lillard reflected on the time spent filming, saying, “The Scream set was my experience of what college would be like. We were a bunch of kids running around Santa Rosa. We worked 6 p.m. to basically 8 a.m., so we’d come off of work, and we’d all go to David Arquette’s room and drink like fools. And we were young. It was a pivotal moment in all of our lives; it changed our lives. And we’re all friends to this day. So it’s a college experience.”
Looking ahead, Lillard is set to appear in Mike Flanagan’s The Life of Chuck on June 6, followed by his role as William Afton in Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 scheduled for December 5. Fans can expect Scream 7 to be released in theaters on February 27, 2026, while the original film is currently available for streaming on Max. Be sure to catch the interview where he discusses his roles in the Scream franchise and his ventures into new projects.
Release Date: December 20, 1996
Runtime: 111 minutes
Source
movieweb.com