Matthew Lillard is getting candid about his complicated return to the Scream franchise. The Five Nights at Freddy’s star recently opened up about his feelings regarding Scream 7, admitting that he feels embarrassed for reprising his iconic role as Stu Macher following the controversial firing of Melissa Barrera. Barrera was dropped from the project in November 2023 after expressing support for Palestinians on social media, a move that Lillard now openly defends, stating that the actress was on the right side of history.
During a recent Q&A session, a video of which surfaced on TikTok, Lillard expressed regret for not speaking up sooner. He explained that his initial excitement about returning to the franchise clouded his judgment, leading him to accept the role without fully considering the implications of Barrera’s departure. The actor noted that he feels a sense of shame for not saying no, emphasizing that when personal values are at stake, standing up for what is right is more important than a paycheck. Lillard drew a personal parallel, noting that as a father to queer children, he understands the necessity of advocacy and believes the world should have supported Barrera more vocally when she first spoke out.
Barrera’s exit from the slasher series triggered a major shake-up behind the scenes. Following her dismissal, which Spyglass Media Group justified by citing a zero-tolerance policy toward hate speech, co-star Jenna Ortega also exited the project, and director Christopher Landon stepped down. While the production eventually brought back Neve Campbell to headline the film, the controversy has clearly left a lasting mark on the cast members involved. Lillard’s honest admission highlights the ongoing tension between professional opportunities and the personal ethics of those working within the Hollywood studio system.