Matthew Lillard is set to return for *Scream 7*, according to Deadline. Lillard, renowned for his role as the villainous Stuart "Stu" Macher in the iconic 1996 original *Scream* film, will star in the upcoming sequel. Fans are buzzing with excitement and curiosity about how Lillard will fit into the storyline, especially considering Stu's fate in the first movie. While it's unclear whether he will reprise his role as Stu or take on a new character, Lillard himself teased his involvement through an Instagram post:

The *Scream* franchise is bringing back some of its original stars, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell, who will reprise her role as Sidney Prescott, and Courteney Cox. The cast also includes Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown.

The announcement comes after a challenging period for the film. In November 2023, star Melissa Barrera was dismissed from the project following her social media posts about the conflict in Gaza. The following day, it was confirmed that Jenna Ortega would not return for *Scream 7*, leaving the Carpenter sisters, central to the series since *Scream* (2022), out of the picture.

Further turmoil struck when director Christopher Landon left the project in December 2023, describing his experience as a "dream job that turned into a nightmare." In a positive turn, Kevin Williamson, the screenwriter behind the first *Scream*, *Scream 2*, and *Scream 4*, has stepped in to direct *Scream 7*.

The directing duo Radio Silence, who helmed *Scream* and *Scream 6*, announced in August 2023 that they would not return to direct *Scream 7* but will remain involved as executive producers. Guy Busick, who co-wrote the previous two films, is set to write the screenplay for the new installment.

Mark your calendars—*Scream 7* is slated to premiere in theaters on February 27, 2026.