Matthew Lillard is returning for Scream 7. Deadline reports that Lillard, who played the iconic antagonist Stu Macher in the original 1996 Scream, will star in the upcoming sequel.

This news has Scream fans buzzing, especially considering Stu's fate in the first film. Will Lillard reprise his role as Stu, or will he portray a new character? The mystery remains, though Lillard himself hinted at his involvement in an Instagram post (see below).

The reunion is partially a gathering of the original Scream cast, with Lillard joining Neve Campbell (reprising her role as Sidney Prescott), and Courteney Cox in Scream 7. Scott Foley, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown are also part of the cast.

This is significant news for a film that faced a turbulent production. In November 2023, Melissa Barrera was reportedly dismissed from the project following social media posts regarding the Gaza conflict. A day later, it was announced that Jenna Ortega would not return, removing both Carpenter sisters, central to the franchise since 2022's Scream, from the cast.

Further complicating matters, director Christopher Landon departed from Scream 7 in December 2023, citing a difficult experience. Kevin Williamson, writer of the first, second, and fourth Scream films, has since taken over directing duties.

Radio Silence, the directing duo behind Scream and Scream 6, announced in August 2023 that they wouldn't return to direct Scream 7, but remain as executive producers. Guy Busick, co-writer of the previous two films, is back to pen the screenplay.

Scream 7 is slated for release on February 27, 2026.