Why Bringing Back Stu Macher Would Ruin the Scream Franchise
Exploring the potential implications of bringing back Stu Macher in the Scream franchise and how it could impact the series' long-standing traditions.
The Risk of Ruining Tradition
The Scream franchise has been at the center of discussions regarding the possible return of Stu Macher, a character portrayed by Matthew Lillard.
Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher smiling and holding up a gun in Scream
Stu Macher, along with Billy Loomis, was one of the original Ghostface killers, and their actions wreaked havoc on Sidney Prescott's life, seeking revenge against those who wronged them, including the iconic opening scene in Scream.
Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher yelling and looking scared in Scream
While Stu's character left a lasting impression in the original Scream movie, the potential revival of his character has sparked curiosity among viewers, despite the caution and doubt expressed by Matthew Lillard regarding this possibility.
However, bringing back Stu Macher would risk undermining the 28-year-old tradition of the Scream franchise, as it would go against the series' conventions of killing the Ghostface killers at the end of each installment.
The Impact on Franchise Tradition
The Scream franchise is known for breaking slasher movie rules, but it upholds its own tradition of concluding each film with the heroes prevailing over Ghostface.
The return of Stu Macher would disrupt this tradition, making him the only Ghostface killer to survive beyond a single film, which would deviate from the series' sense of justice and retribution.
Furthermore, Stu's survival would be a disappointing departure from the franchise's established narrative, as it would lack coherence and undermine the impact of the original 1996 film.
The Implausibility of Stu's Survival
The plausibility of Stu Macher's survival after the events of the original Scream is called into question, as his demise in the film was seemingly final, involving a dramatic and definitive end.
Any attempt to resurrect Stu's character in a Scream sequel would require substantial narrative contortions to justify his survival and circumvent the circumstances of his demise.
Moreover, the characters from Woodsboro, including Sidney Prescott, would likely be aware of Stu's fate, making his survival even more implausible and contrived.
