Matthew Lillard is experiencing a career resurgence, landing roles in several high-profile projects including the recently released Scream 7, despite initial concerns about tarnishing the legacy of his iconic character, Stu Macher. The actor, who first gained recognition for his role in the 1996 slasher film, admitted to feeling trepidation about reprising the part decades later.
“I mean, all I’m doing is putting everything that everyone loves in jeopardy, right?” Lillard told ComicBook. “And there’s a world in which you come back, and I sh—t the bed as a 54-year-old man, doing what I did when I was 26 or whatever. I mean, that’s horrible.”
Lillard’s return to the Scream franchise followed a long-standing campaign to rejoin the series, even playfully contemplating extreme measures to prove his character’s resilience. “Of course his character, Stu Macher, could survive a television being dropped on his head,” the Los Angeles Times reported. Lillard even joked about dropping a TV on his own head, a testament to his dedication to the role.
The actor’s recent success extends beyond Scream 7. He is currently starring in “Cross,” an Amazon Prime show alongside Aldis Hodge, and has a role in the upcoming eight-episode “Carrie” miniseries developed by Mike Flanagan for Amazon MGM Studios. Flanagan, known for his collaborative approach, reportedly gave Lillard creative freedom, reminiscent of the experience Lillard had with director Wes Craven on the original Scream. “I think Kevin Williamson understands that sometimes I come up with good stuff,” Lillard said, referring to the director of Scream 7.
Lillard is also venturing into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a role in Netflix’s “Daredevil: Born Again,” playing Mr. Charles, a CIA operative who isn’t intimidated by the powers of Kingpin. He is also preparing for a third “Five Nights at Freddy’s” film.
The actor’s career trajectory has not been without its challenges. He recently addressed comments made by Quentin Tarantino, who expressed a lack of appreciation for Lillard and Paul Dano’s acting abilities. Lillard described the experience as “a bummer” but also noted the outpouring of support he received from the industry. “I’ve never felt so seen by this industry,” he said. “It felt like I was living through my own wake.”
Alongside his acting endeavors, Lillard has also found success in the spirits industry with his company, Macabre Spirits. The launch of Ghostface Vodka, timed to coincide with the release of Scream 7, saw 40,000 sign-ups for early access within 72 hours. The vodka bottles include a QR code that unlocks a communal game of “Mafia,” reflecting Lillard’s focus on building community around his projects.
Lillard’s journey from a young actor launching into fame with Scooby-Doo and Scream to a seasoned performer navigating a diverse range of roles has been marked by both highs and lows. He credits his early success with opening doors, but acknowledges that a subsequent dip in his career ultimately paved the way for his current resurgence. “Without that, I wouldn’t be in this career,” he said. “I don’t know if I would have been around long enough to get this comeback that I’m in the middle of and enjoying.”
