BUZZBEAT
…
Scream

Star file

Scream

14 stories · latest Oct 24, 2026 · Celebrity, TV & Film

Scream biography

Scream is a slasher horror movie franchise launched by the 1996 classic film directed by Wes Craven. The legendary series features Ghostface killers and long-running legacy characters including Gale Weathers, played by Courteney Cox, Dewey Riley, played by David Arquette, and Stu Macher, played by Matthew Lillard alongside Skeet Ulrich.

Recent developments around the franchise center on upcoming and recent entries alongside cast news. Courteney Cox has expressed ambition to direct a future film, while Matthew Lillard reported feeling conflicted about returning for Scream 7 following the firing of former lead star Melissa Barrera. The franchise community also recently mourned former cast member Hayden Panettiere, who played Kirby Reed.

  • Coverage of the Scream franchise heavily focuses on the enduring legacy of its original 1996 cast alongside updates on newer installments.
  • Recent news highlights complicated cast dynamics, including Matthew Lillard's return following Melissa Barrera's controversial exit and Courteney Cox's directing ambitions.
  • Additionally, public attention has centered on former cast members honoring late co-star Hayden Panettiere.

The Scream shelf

Music to own

Confessions on a Dance Floor coverLISTEN · 2005Confessions on a Dance FloorOne continuous mix, no ballads, no mercy.

Latest on Scream

Scream timeline

  1. Hollywood Mourns Hayden Panettiere After Beloved 'Heroes' And 'Scream' Star Dies At 36

    Aug 17, 2026

    Scream co-stars David Arquette and Melissa Barrera led emotional social media tributes after Hayden Panettiere passed away at age 36.

    Hollywood Mourns Hayden Panettiere After Beloved 'Heroes' And 'Scream' Star Dies At 36
  2. Rose McGowan Trashes Child Stardom Following 'Scream' Co-Star Hayden Panettiere's Death

    Aug 22, 2026

    Rose McGowan issued a warning to parents against child stardom following the death of fellow Scream alum Hayden Panettiere.

    Rose McGowan Trashes Child Stardom Following 'Scream' Co-Star Hayden Panettiere's Death
  3. Courteney Cox Wants to Direct a 'Scream' Movie: 'I Think I Should'

    Sep 12, 2026

    Courteney Cox stated that she feels ready and believes she should direct a future installment in the Scream horror franchise.

    Courteney Cox Wants to Direct a 'Scream' Movie: 'I Think I Should'
  4. Courteney Cox Pays Emotional Tribute To 'Scream' Co-Star Hayden Panettiere

    Sep 13, 2026

    Courteney Cox honored her Scream VI co-star Hayden Panettiere in an interview, praising her work ethic and talent.

    Courteney Cox Pays Emotional Tribute To 'Scream' Co-Star Hayden Panettiere
  5. Matthew Lillard Admits He Feels 'Embarrassed' Over His Scream 7 Return

    Sep 16, 2026

    Matthew Lillard revealed feeling self-conscious and embarrassed about resurrecting his original Ghostface killer character Stu Macher for the seventh movie.

    Matthew Lillard Admits He Feels 'Embarrassed' Over His Scream 7 Return
  6. Matthew Lillard Admits 'Ashamed' Feeling Over 'Scream 7' Role After Melissa Barrera Firing

    Sep 17, 2026

    Matthew Lillard expressed feeling ashamed and conflicted about returning for Scream 7 after Melissa Barrera was fired from the franchise.

    Matthew Lillard Admits 'Ashamed' Feeling Over 'Scream 7' Role After Melissa Barrera Firing

The photos · 12

Matthew Lillard Admits 'Ashamed' Feeling Over 'Scream 7' Role After Melissa Barrera Firing
Matthew Lillard Admits He Feels 'Embarrassed' Over His Scream 7 Return
“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
Courteney Cox Pays Emotional Tribute To 'Scream' Co-Star Hayden Panettiere
Courteney Cox Wants to Direct a 'Scream' Movie: 'I Think I Should'
Rose McGowan Trashes Child Stardom Following 'Scream' Co-Star Hayden Panettiere's Death
Hollywood Mourns Hayden Panettiere After Beloved 'Heroes' And 'Scream' Star Dies At 36
From Child Star To Scream Icon: The Evolution Of Hayden Panettiere

Watch

Clips tied to this story.

YouTubeMatthew Lillard Admits 'Ashamed' Feeling Over 'Scream 7' Role After Melissa Barrera Firing
TikTokMatthew Lillard Admits 'Ashamed' Feeling Over 'Scream 7' Role After Melissa Barrera Firing

Scream: your questions

Who were the original Ghostface killers in Scream?

Stu Macher, played by Matthew Lillard, and Skeet Ulrich played the original Ghostface killers in the 1996 film.

Does Courteney Cox want to direct a Scream movie?

Courteney Cox has stated that she feels prepared to direct a future film in the slasher franchise after nearly 30 years with the series.

Why was Melissa Barrera fired from Scream 7?

Producers cut ties with Melissa Barrera in late 2023 after she posted statements on social media.

What role did Hayden Panettiere play in Scream?

Hayden Panettiere portrayed fan-favorite character Kirby Reed in the Scream slasher franchise.

Is Matthew Lillard returning for Scream 7?

Matthew Lillard is returning to the franchise for Scream 7 alongside legacy cast members Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox.

More on Scream

Often in the same story

Hayden PanettiereHeroesNashvilleMatthew LillardCourteney CoxScream 7Melissa Barrera