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Matthew Lillard gained recognition in the late 1990s and early 2000s, known for his unforgettable and quirky roles in productions like Scooby-Doo, SLC Punk!, and She’s All That. Yet, his portrayal of Stu Macher in Wes Craven‘s 1996 slasher film Scream overshadows much of his other work – a performance of dark humor and intensity that became emblematic for a horror film generation.
Regardless of the character’s ongoing relevance, Lillard has openly discussed his own detachment from the part. “Stu Macher doesn’t really concern me,” he mentioned to Collider in a 2023 interview while promoting Five Nights at Freddy’s. “It’s a role I took on. It’s comparable to a plumber not caring about the house they worked on. It’s my profession. While I value having it on my resume, it remains something I engaged with over two decades ago.”
What holds importance for him, Lillard stated, is the steadfast devotion fans have for the series. “I find it genuinely meaningful that what it represents to people remains both potent and continually observable,” he elaborated. “This was a realization I hadn’t grasped previously.”
Continue reading to uncover the reasons behind the speculation that the actor might reappear in the franchise’s seventh movie.
Who Did Matthew Lillard Portray in ‘Scream’?
Matthew played Stu Macher, the witty, casual guy and disguised killer from the original 1996 release.
Did Matthew Lillard Make a Brief Appearance in ‘Scream 2’?
Indeed, Matthew came back for an uncredited short scene in Scream 2. In the 1997 follow-up, his listing was only as “guy at party,” and he lent his voice for a similar cameo in the 2022 Scream reboot.
Is Matthew Lillard Going to Be in ‘Scream 7’?
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According to PEOPLE, the actor hinted through social media on Thursday, January 30, that he might be reprising his role in Scream 7, almost 30 years after his initial appearance. Matthew posted an uncaptioned video clip showcasing his hand inscribing his memorable quote from the initial film, “My mom and dad are gonna be so mad at me.”
Fans reacted intensely within the comment section. “Our king makes his return as he promised,” one follower posted. Another excitedly wrote, “STU MACHER IS BACK IN 2025?!” accompanied by ghost and knife icons.
After confirming his participation, Lillard shared that he felt both anticipation and trepidation about revisiting such a celebrated horror character, referring to it as a “legacy risk” but also something he had advocated for throughout the years.