Matthew Lillard's Scream 7 Return Gets Enthusiastic Response From Fellow Ghostface Actor: "I Was So Ecstatic"
Billy and Stu remain the best Ghostface killers.
Scream 7
By TC Phillips
Published 3 minutes ago
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Matthew Lillardâs original Ghostface co-conspirator, Skeet Ulrich, has shared his excitement for the actorâs return in Scream 7. Ulrich, who played Billy Loomis, one of the original two Ghostface killers in 1996âs Scream, previously experienced his own return to the hit horror franchise in 2022âs Scream and its 2023 follow-up. Meanwhile, Lillard, who played Ulrich's friend and collaborator, Stu Macher, was officially revealed to be joining the Scream 7 cast in late January. Other returning franchise stars include Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Mason Gooding, and Jasmin Savoy Brown.
During a panel at this yearâs MEGACON Orlando, at which ScreenRant was in attendance, Ulrich shared his reaction to learning of Lillardâs Scream 7 return. Revealing that Lillard was the one who personally broke the news to him, his former co-star expressed his joy at the actorâs forthcoming franchise return. Ulrich also pointed out that his enthusiasm stems from Lillardâs outspoken desire to reprise the role of Stu Macher. Check out what Ulrich said below:
Matt called me and told me when word came down. I was so ecstatic for you because anybody who has been to one of these [conventions], knows him, or has followed him knows how much he has wanted that, so I'm very happy for you.
Few Ghostface Killers Have Lived Up To Billy And Stu
In the years since the original Scream was released, the long-running horror franchise has introduced viewers to a long procession of Ghostface killers. Yet, for many avid franchise followers, few have had the appeal and quotability of Billy Loomis and Stu Macher. Nowhere did this become more apparent than the overwhelming response to Lillardâs recent Instagram announcement, which consisted simply of his classic line from the first movie: "My Mom and Dad are gonna be soo mad at me!!"
RelatedScream 6 Shows Exactly Why Stu Macher Is 1 Of The Scariest Ghostface Killers In The Franchise
One specific moment in Scream 6 shows why Stu Macher is so terrifying and shows yet another huge challenge Scream 7 has to overcome.
Much as Ulrich suggests, Lillardâs return as Stu Macher is something that the actor has long petitioned for, and despite his character seemingly being killed by the television dropped on his head by Campbellâs Sidney Prescott, theories of his miraculous survival have been circulating for years. Moreover, Lillard has been a strong supporter of such fan theories, once claiming in a 2021 interview that, âYes! Iâm alive! Stu is alive! You need to support me in this!â
Lillard Coming Back As The Villain Is Too Predictable
Given that Ulrich has already been provided with his own opportunity to return as Billy Loomis, albeit as a hallucination, it is only fitting that his original partner in crime be given the same opportunity. Yet, whether Stu is still alive during the events of Scream 7 remains to be seen, and it is possible that Lillardâs actual return may only come in the form of flashbacks. Moreover, given the franchiseâs penchant for twist endings, the idea of having Stu Macher back as the next Ghostface seems more like a potential red herring, rather than a legitimate story direction.
Scream 7
Release Date
February 27, 2026
Director
Kevin Williamson
Writers
Kevin Williamson, Guy Busick, James Vanderbilt
Producers
Cathy Konrad, Gary Barber, Marianne Maddalena, Peter Oillataguerre, William Sherak, Chad Villella, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin, Tyler Gillett, Ron Lynch
Scream 7 is the latest installment in the long-running horror franchise. Known for its iconic mask and the mystery of the Ghostface killer, this film continues to explore themes of horror and suspense while introducing new characters and twists. Released in 2026, its plot details remain undisclosed.
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