Matthew Lillard, known for playing Stu Macher in the original Scream movie from 1996, recently shared his thoughts on the current direction of the Scream franchise. In a conversation with GamesRadar+, Lillard expressed that he believes the franchise is in a good place and is optimistic about the next installment, especially with the original screenwriter, Kevin Williamson, now taking the lead for Scream 7.
Lillard praised previous directors Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin for their creativity, noting that he enjoyed their fresh approach even though it differed from his personal vision for the series.
Lillard did, however, voice some concerns about the tone of recent Scream films, particularly about the increasing level of violence. He felt that Scream 6 became overly graphic, citing Ghostface’s use of a shotgun as an example.
In his view, this decision was unnecessary and somewhat out of character, as it shifted the focus from the psychological terror that defined the original movie. He pointed out that Scream was initially about creating suspense with a personal, close-up horror, a quality he hopes will be preserved in the new film under Williamson’s direction.
Reflecting on his own role in the original film, Lillard reminisced about the terrifying dynamic between his character, Stu, and Billy Loomis, played by Skeet Ulrich. The killers’ choice of knives rather than guns brought an intense and personal sense of horror to the movie.
Lillard argued that this approach was fundamental to what made the original Scream so effective, as the close-range violence added to the psychological impact. He believes this intimacy is lost when Ghostface wields a firearm, turning the character’s menace into something less distinctively Scream.
Lillard also hinted at a possible return to the franchise. During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, he teased that his character Stu might still be alive, suggesting a potential comeback in Scream 7. Though he didn’t confirm anything, the suggestion has sparked interest among fans, who are intrigued by the possibility of Stu’s return to the storyline. His reappearance could add an exciting layer to the franchise, especially if he interacts with new or returning characters.
Scream 7 is slated for release on February 6, 2026, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see how Williamson’s direction will influence the series. With Lillard’s nostalgic insights and hints at a potential return, there’s renewed excitement around the upcoming film. Many hope Williamson will find a balance between the original suspenseful tone and new, innovative elements to honor the legacy of the franchise while offering fresh scares.
