Matthew Lillard brought Stu Macher back to the world of Scream in 2026's Scream 7, the horror franchise's most lucrative and critically reviled film. Months after it hit theaters, Lillard is expressing some regret.
Scream 7 starred Neve Campbell, the original trilogy's protagonist, after she missed Scream VI over an alleged pay dispute. It was a strange change of direction considering the previous two films centered around a new group of characters led by Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega.
Barrera, however, was fired for sharing her thoughts on the conflict in Palestine, while Ortega departed shortly thereafter. So, Campbell managed to snag a near $7 million contract to return, with a new script and director in tow.
The result was a mixed bag. Scream
7's 30% Rotten Tomatoes critic score is comfortably the worst of the franchise, but it still managed to gross $214 million worldwide. Lillard has one big regret from the experience, and it has nothing to do with the film's quality.
Why does Matthew Lillard regret making Scream 7?
While speaking to audience members at a recent Q&A session for a Scream 30th anniversary screening, Lillard discussed his mixed feelings about returning to the franchise following Barrera's firing.
“I went back to do Scream, and I got called out," Lillard said, per Entertainment Weekly. "And I’m like, ‘Oh, (expletive). That’s brutal.’ I feel bad about that. I feel ashamed about that. Because in that moment I was so excited to go back, I didn’t really think about Melissa and that journey. I didn’t say no.
“I’m embarrassed, that’s the truth… I blew that. I’m on the wrong side of history for that. I still like being in the movie [but] it may not have been the best idea.”
Scream 8 is currently in development, and it's unclear if Lillard will be involved.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Matthew Lillard reveals 1 reason why he regrets making 'Scream 7'
