Why Joining Scream 7 Was ‘Intimidating’ To Matthew Lillard

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Matthew Lillard, well-known to horror fans, recently shared that he felt a lot of pressure taking on a role in the upcoming Scream 7. He discussed returning to the Scream series – the one that helped make him famous – while at the premiere of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.

Damian Lillard recently spoke with Entertainment Tonight, sharing that the weight of the franchise’s history really affected him. He explained he didn’t want to come back after so long and risk disappointing fans who cherish the team’s legacy. He put it simply:

It was really daunting. The movie is such a classic, I was worried about messing it up after all this time. I felt like I had a lot to lose, and potentially damage my own reputation, because the original film is so beloved and iconic.

Lillard smiled as he talked about what he’d like to see in the next Scream movie, showing how much he cares for the dedicated fanbase that has supported the series for almost thirty years. He then continued by saying:

I really hope fans enjoy the show! If it’s not to their liking, they can always relax and have a drink.

Currently, details about Scream 7 are limited, but it’s scheduled for release on February 27, 2026. Kevin Williamson, who wrote the original Scream movie, will be directing, and Guy Busick is writing the screenplay. The team from Radio Silence will be involved as executive producers. However, the most talked-about aspect is the cast, which includes familiar faces, surprising new additions, and unexpected choices that have sparked a lot of fan speculation.

Neve Campbell will reprise her role as Sidney Prescott, immediately making the new film a bigger deal. Courteney Cox is also returning as Gale Weathers, amazingly still managing to escape Ghostface after enduring countless injuries – more than anyone could realistically survive! Mason Gooding and Jasmin Savoy Brown are back as Chad and Mindy, but the absence of their sisters, Sam and Tara, has fans curious about how the story will address that loss and maintain the emotional connection.

The cast also includes some exciting additions: Isabel May will play Sidney’s daughter, and Anna Camp appears in a currently undisclosed role. Rounding out the new faces are McKenna Grace, Celeste O’Connor, Asa Germann, Ethan Embry, Mark Consuelos, Michelle Randolph, and Jimmy Tatro.

The biggest surprise, naturally, is Matthew Lillard returning to the Scream series, even though it’s unclear how his character is back. The announcement didn’t say whether Stu Macher is actually alive, or if he’s appearing as a ghost or vision, like Billy Loomis. This uncertainty has sparked decades of fan theories that Stu somehow survived being hit in the head in the original 1996 film. The most recent movie, Scream VI, even hinted that he might still be around, making the idea seem more plausible than ever.

But now they’re bringing him back, and it’s obvious they’re aiming high. The team knows dedicated fans will be paying close attention, so they’re including both familiar faces and fresh talent to generate excitement for the 2026 film—and keep people talking until the new horror movie arrives.

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2025-12-05 00:08