Matthew Lillard has expressed regret over returning as Stu Macher in Scream 7, saying he feels “ashamed” that he did not consider Melissa Barrera’s situation before accepting the role.
What Lillard Said
Speaking during a Q&A marking the 30th anniversary of the original Scream, Lillard addressed the professional risks actors can face when speaking about political issues.
He specifically discussed Barrera, who starred in Scream and Scream VI before her departure from the seventh film.
Entertainment Weekly reported that Lillard said he regretted not speaking up or declining the opportunity to return.
Lillard said he was initially excited to reprise Stu Macher and did not think sufficiently about Barrera’s experience.
He described himself as “embarrassed” and said, “I blew that,” while acknowledging that he still likes being part of the movie. Variety also reported his comments from the anniversary screening.
Why Melissa Barrera Left Scream 7
Spyglass Media Group removed Barrera from the project in November 2023 after she posted comments about the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The company said it had “zero tolerance” for antisemitism, incitement of hate and what it characterized as hate speech. Barrera’s posts included criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and references to genocide and ethnic cleansing.
Following her departure, Jenna Ortega also left the project, while director Christopher Landon exited the production. The film was subsequently reworked around Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott, with Kevin Williamson taking over as director.
Scream 7 ultimately opened in February 2026, with Lillard returning alongside Campbell and other franchise veterans. Variety reported that the movie became the highest-grossing entry in the series.
