Scream 7 Reunion: Actor's Candid Remarks Expose the Disappointing Outcome

News about Scream 7 continues to disappoint fans, especially with recent updates hinting at a missed opportunity for a reunion between two original actors. The iconic horror franchise started in 1996 with Scream, followed by five more movies (two without director Wes Craven). Despite its popularity, the controversy surrounding Scream 7 persists.

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett breathed new life into the series 11 years after Craven's final film. Set 25 years after the Woodsboro murders, the story introduces new leads Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega as Sam and Tara. A new Ghostface targets the sisters and their friends, connected to the original killings. With two successful revival films, hopes were high for the next installment, but that changed with the unexpected departures from the Scream 7 cast.

Matthew Lillard Could Have Possibly Returned For Another Scream Movie Alongside Skeet Ulrich

Stu and Billy looking scary as they confess to Sidney in Scream 1996 - Matthew Lillard Could Have Possibly Returned For Another Scream Movie Alongside Skeet Ulrich

Melissa Barrera was dismissed from her role in Scream 7 in late 2023, allegedly due to her public support for Palestine. Shortly after, it was confirmed that Jenna Ortega would not be returning for the film due to scheduling conflicts. Following this, director Christopher Landon announced his departure from the seventh installment of the series. Despite these setbacks, Skeet Ulrich, known for portraying Billy Loomis in the franchise, discussed the potential return of Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher in Scream 7 during an interview with Screen Rant. Ulrich expressed his thoughts:

"I believe that if the storyline is handled carefully and doesn't become a parody of itself, there may be a chance for Matthew Lillard's character to return, but only if it makes sense within the narrative. I am supportive of the idea because he is in favor of it as well. It is possible that it may already be in the works and he is keeping it under wraps. After all, I had to keep my involvement in [Scream 5] a secret for 14 months. So, anything is possible."

Stu & Billy's Reunion Is Unlikely To Ever Happen After Scream 7's Changes

Many have been wanting to see Lillard return to the franchise, even following his character's (apparent) death in the 1996 movie. Ulrich's comments suggest that Lillard could have reprised his role in Scream 7 and reunited with Ulrich. Of course, Scream (2022) and Scream VI confirmed that Billy was dead, so it might have been difficult for them to share the screen, but there are ways to work around that obstacle. If Stu has been alive all these years, perhaps Billy could have been haunting him. Nevertheless, that reunion is likely a fever dream due to the upcoming film's controversies.

Stu on the phone in Scream (1996) - Stu & Billy's Reunion Is Unlikely To Ever Happen After Scream 7's Changes

With Melissa Barrera's departure and the ongoing changes in the cast and crew of Scream 7, the possibility of a reunion between Billy and Stu seems increasingly unlikely. While Skeet Ulrich's return would have made sense if Barrera was still part of the project, the absence of their characters' familial connection now casts doubt on Billy's appearance in the upcoming film. As such, the idea of Matthew Lillard reuniting with Ulrich on screen as Stu and Billy appears to be a distant possibility at best.

Scream (2022) and Scream VI are available to stream on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S:

The recent news surrounding the "Scream" franchise has left me with mixed emotions. On one hand, the departure of key cast members, including Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, has dampened my enthusiasm for the upcoming "Scream 7." These characters played pivotal roles in the previous installments, and their absence will undoubtedly impact the film's dynamic.

On the other hand, the possibility of Matthew Lillard returning to the franchise as Stu Macher has sparked a glimmer of hope. Lillard's character has been a fan favorite since the original 1996 film, and his return could inject some much-needed excitement into "Scream 7." However, the apparent death of Billy Loomis in the previous installments casts doubt on the feasibility of a reunion between the two iconic villains. Ultimately, the success of "Scream 7" will hinge on the filmmakers' ability to navigate these challenges and deliver a satisfying conclusion to the long-running horror series.