Matthew Lillard ‘Embarrassed’ Over Scream 7 Return After Melissa Barrera’s Firing: ‘I Was on the Wrong Side of History’
Matthew Lillard is expressing deep regret over his decision to reprise his role as Stu Macher in the upcoming Scream 7, following the controversial firing of Melissa Barrera from the franchise in November 2023. Barrera was removed from the series after her social media posts about the Israel-Gaza war, a move that forced a major rethink of a sequel that had been expected to continue the story established in the previous two movies. Speaking at a 30th anniversary screening of the original Scream at a Regal movie theater in Austin, Texas, Lillard told fans during a Q&A that he was “on the wrong side of history” and felt “embarrassed” to have signed on for the seventh installment.
In a video from the event, Lillard confessed that while he often advocates for important causes, it isn’t “easy all the time” to take a stand. He explained that Barrera was “on the right side of history” when she was fired for speaking up in support of Palestinians. “It’s just human, it’s who we are… I don’t know what else to do,” he said, appearing to address a question about celebrities taking stances on political topics. The actor’s remarks highlight the ongoing tension within the Scream franchise, which has become a cultural lightning rod in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Lillard’s comments come as fans eagerly await Scream 7, with many questions about which franchise stars will return. The actor also spoke on a panel at 90s Con over the weekend, but he couldn’t share any spoilers or details about his reprisal. His candid admission adds another layer to the controversy surrounding Barrera’s dismissal, which sparked widespread debate about free speech and political expression in Hollywood. As the franchise moves forward, Lillard’s regret serves as a reminder of the personal and professional complexities involved when art intersects with activism.
Shimanta Das 
