Matthew Lillard Returns in Scream 7, But One Key Character Is Still Absent

Exciting news for horror aficionados! Matthew Lillard, who famously portrayed the original Ghostface in the first Scream film, is returning to the franchise for Scream 7. He will be joining Scott Foley, who played Roman Bridger, marking yet another development in the iconic horror series. However, fans are left wondering about the absence of a key figure from the cast.

Matthew Lillard made a significant impact on horror cinema when he took on the role of Stu Macher, one of the initial Ghostface killers, in the inaugural Scream released in 1996. The franchise has seen a remarkable transformation since that time, evolving to captivate newer generations of fans.

In 2023, Scream 6 thrilled audiences with the return of Melissa Barrera as Sam Carpenter, whose connection to the legacy of Ghostface is pivotal. She reprised her role alongside Jenna Ortega, who plays her half-sister, Tara, adding depth to the storyline as they navigated the horror that unfolds around them.

While Scream 6 was well-received, anticipation for Scream 7 is building as it promises to be a nostalgic celebration. Alongside Lillard and Foley, legendary character Sidney Prescott, played by Neve Campbell, will make a comeback, enriching the film with her iconic presence.

The Mixed Feelings Surrounding Scream 7

While the inclusion of Lillard and Foley is joyous news for many fans, the absence of Melissa Barrera casts a shadow. Her portrayal of Sam Carpenter brought a compelling, multifaceted performance to the screen, particularly highlighted through her dynamic with Tara, portrayed by Ortega. Their relationship injected a fresh perspective into the legacy of Scream, leading many to believe that the franchise could continue successfully without the character of Sidney Prescott.

Despite this optimism, Scream 7 appears to be leaning toward nostalgia rather than furthering the narrative introduced in the previous installment. Reports suggest that Barrera was removed from the project after expressing her views on social media regarding the conflict in Gaza, referring to it as genocide. This controversial insight led the production company, Spyglass, to assert a “zero tolerance for antisemitism, ” which may have influenced her exit.

Furthermore, Ortega has also exited the project, citing scheduling conflicts with the second season of her popular series, Wednesday. While the departures of these two prominent characters are disappointing, the return of beloved horror icons like Lillard and Foley brings a renewed excitement to the storyline, likely steering the film into explorative territory regarding longstanding mysteries, such as the fate of Stu.

Though the changes to the lineup might disappoint some fans, the reunion of classic characters promises to ignite thrilling moments and surprises within Scream 7. Set to premiere in cinemas on February 27, 2026, audiences are eager to see what this new chapter has in store for horror enthusiasts.

Source & Images