"I Have Queer Kids": 'Scream' Veteran Matthew Lillard Regrets Joining 'Scream 7'

Matthew Lillard, best known for his iconic portrayal of Stu Macher in the original 1996 Scream, has publicly expressed deep regret and shame over returning to the franchise for its upcoming seventh installment.
Addressing fans during a Q&A panel celebrating the 30th anniversary of Wes Craven's original slasher in Austin, Texas, the actor reflected on personal accountability, family values, and the controversial dismissal of franchise lead Melissa Barrera.Standing Up for Values and FamilyWhen asked by an audience member how public figures should navigate vocalizing their principles on social and political issues, Lillard drew a direct connection to his personal life and family values.
"In my case—I have queer kids. If I don't stand up for queer kids or trans kids, then what the hell am I doing? If I don't speak out against ICE raids, what am I doing?" Lillard shared with the audience.
The actor went on to address the firing of Melissa Barrera, who was dropped from Scream 7 by Spyglass Media Group following her social media posts supporting Palestinian rights. Lillard praised Barrera's courage, placing her on "the right side of history," while criticizing the industry's quiet response at the time.
"I Blew It": Confronting Personal OversightLillard openly admitted that his excitement to rejoin the horror franchise blinded him to the broader ethical implications of working with the studio following Barrera's exit.
"I went back to 'Scream' and people called me out on it. I was like, 'Oh shit, that’s brutal.' I feel bad about it, I'm embarrassed by it. In that moment, I was so excited to be back that I truly didn't think about Melissa and her journey. I didn't say 'no.' I'm embarrassed—that’s the truth. I blew it."
A Turbulent Production HistoryThe controversy surrounding Scream 7 remains one of the most tumultuous production stories in recent horror history:
Melissa Barrera's Firing: Triggered widespread public backlash and calls for a boycott against Spyglass Media Group.
Jenna Ortega's Exit: Shortly followed Barrera's departure, officially attributed to scheduling conflicts with Netflix's Wednesday.
Director Departure: Original director Christopher Landon stepped down, describing the project as a dream that turned into a nightmare.
Cast Restructuring: To salvage the project, Spyglass pivoted back to legacy cast members, bringing back Neve Campbell (Sidney Prescott), Kevin Williamson as director, and Matthew Lillard.