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Matthew Lillard at a red carpet movie premiere event
TV & Film

Matthew Lillard Admits He Feels 'Embarrassed' Over His Scream 7 Return

The Stu Macher actor is stepping back into Ghostface's playground alongside Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, but he admits feeling self-conscious.

By Dee AlvarezPublished Updated 2 min read

Matthew Lillard is heading back to the slasher franchise that helped turn him into a horror icon, but the actor admits he feels a bit self-conscious about stepping back into the world of *Scream*. The original 1996 movie villain is set to make a comeback in the upcoming seventh entry, joining fellow legacy cast members Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox. Speaking candidly about his high-profile return, Lillard confessed that revisiting the franchise after all these years triggers some complicated emotions. Despite dedicated fans campaigning for decades to see Stu Macher return, the star revealed he feels somewhat embarrassed about resurrecting his famous character so long after his onscreen demise.

Is Matthew Lillard in Scream 7?

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Lillard played Stu Macher, one of the two original Ghostface killers alongside Skeet Ulrich, in Wes Craven's genre-defining 1996 hit. Stu seemingly met his end when Sidney Prescott dropped a heavy television set onto his head. Nevertheless, die-hard horror fans have long argued that Stu survived, fueling endless theories across social media and horror conventions. His participation in *Scream 7* comes as part of a major nostalgia drive for the slasher series. Campbell, who famously skipped *Scream VI* due to a pay dispute, returns to her signature role as final girl Sidney Prescott. Meanwhile, Cox is once again playing tenacious news reporter Gale Weathers, continuing her streak as the only performer to appear in every chapter of the franchise.

Jenna Ortega and Melissa Barrera in a scene from "Scream 6"
Barrera, pictured above with Jenna Ortega in “Scream 6,” was fired from “Scream 7” after expressing support for Palestine in 2023. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection

Why is Matthew Lillard embarrassed about Scream return?

While story details explaining how Stu fits into the new narrative remain strictly under wraps, Lillard's self-deprecating take on his return highlights how unexpected the casting decision really is. Re-entering a youth slasher universe decades after making his debut can feel awkward for a veteran performer, even if genre fans are overjoyed by the news. With *Scream 7* reuniting several key figures responsible for the original movie's massive success, audiences are waiting to see if Stu Macher pops up in a hallucination, a flashback, or a shocking twist that proves he was alive the whole time. Regardless of how his return plays out, Lillard's spot in slasher royalty remains intact.

The photos · 6

Matthew Lillard at a red carpet movie premiere event
“I feel ashamed about that,” Lillard said at a 30th anniversary screening Q&A.
Barrera, pictured above with Jenna Ortega in “Scream 6,” was fired from “Scream 7” after expressing support for Palestine in 2023. ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
“She’s on the right side of history,” Lillard said of Barrera, shown above in “Scream 6.” ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
Lillard, seen above in 1996, said “the whole world should have popped up and said, ‘She’s right.’” FilmMagic, Inc
Barrera previously blasted Lillard and other franchise veterans for their participation in the film after her firing. Lillard is seen above in 1996 classic “Scream” with Skeet Ulrich, Neve Campbell, Rose McGowan and Jami

The backstory

Verified moments, in order.

Matthew Lillard’s Scream history: Stu, a cameo and a comeback

Lillard helps launch Ghostface’s killing spree, slips into the sequel and backs Neve Campbell in a pay dispute before his own return is announced.

  1. Stu is behind the mask

    Matthew Lillard — Stu is behind the mask

    Lillard plays Stu Macher in Scream. The finale unmasks Stu and Billy Loomis, played by Skeet Ulrich, as the killers. Sidney Prescott ends Stu’s attack by dropping a television onto his head—an apparent death that hangs over his future in the franchise.

  2. Lillard slips into the sequel

    Matthew Lillard — Lillard slips into the sequel

    Lillard makes an un. The cameo brings the actor back into the frame without bringing Stu back into the story.

  3. 2022-06Flashpoint

    He backs Campbell over pay

    After Neve Campbell announces she will not return for Scream VI because the offer does not reflect her value to the franchise, Lillard publicly supports her. He argues that the star of a long-running series deserves compensation that recognises her contribution.

  4. 2025-01

    The comeback becomes official

    Matthew Lillard — The comeback becomes official

    Lillard’s return for Scream 7 is announced, joining a film that also brings back Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox. His casting is confirmed; how the story will account for Stu’s apparent death is not disclosed at the announcement.

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People also ask

Is Matthew Lillard returning for Scream 7?
Yes, Matthew Lillard is set to appear in Scream 7, reuniting with original cast members Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox.
Why does Matthew Lillard feel embarrassed about Scream 7?
Lillard shared that returning to the slasher franchise after so many years makes him feel self-conscious and somewhat embarrassed, despite long-running fan excitement about his character.