Scream turns 30 this year, and if you ask Matthew Lillard about it, he’ll tell you he can’t believe we’re still talking about it.
And yet, three decades after Scream redefined the modern slasher movie, it (and Lillard’s unhinged performance as Stu Macher) remains embedded in pop culture. In a sit-down with Deadline, Lillard reflected on the unlikely longevity of the franchise, what he remembers about landing the role, working under horror master Wes Craven, his chemistry with Skeet Ulrich, reuniting with Kevin Williamson, and what it means to step back into the Ghostface orbit with Scream 7 now in theaters.
Central to the experience was Craven, whose steady hand balanced satire with genuine terror. Lillard spoke about the director’s ability to create a set that felt collaborative while still anchored by a clear tonal vision, allowing actors to push boundaries without losing the stakes. Watch below.
If Stu was chaotic energy, Billy Loomis was controlled menace, and Lillard credits much of that dynamic to his chemistry with Ulrich. Their offscreen rapport translated into a partnership that felt unpredictable and dangerous onscreen, culminating in one of horror’s most memorable third acts. It was the escalating madness between Billy and Stu that cemented the film’s place in horror history. Watch below.
With original screenwriter Williamson stepping into the director’s chair for Scream 7, Lillard acknowledged the full-circle nature of the moment. Williamson’s return adds another layer of legacy to the sequel. Lillard spoke about what it means to reengage with a story that helped define his career, particularly at a time when legacy sequels must balance nostalgia with reinvention. For an actor so closely associated with one of horror’s most infamous characters, returning to it carries both weight and gratitude. Watch below.
Of course, the Ghostface mask now extends beyond the screen: Lillard also discussed his Ghostface-themed liquor venture by Find Familiar Spirits called Ghost Face Vodka, a playful nod to the franchise’s cultural footprint and the fandom that continues to show up for it. Watch below.
When asked how he hopes to be remembered, Lillard’s answer reached beyond a single role. While Stu Macher remains iconic, he spoke about wanting a career defined by longevity, risk-taking and evolution, and not just one unforgettable performance. Watch below.
Thirty years later, Scream still sparks conversation. And whether he can believe it or not, Lillard remains very much at the center of it.
Scream 7 is now theaters.
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