Matthew Lillard shared “embarrassment” over starring in ‘Scream 7’ amidst star Melissa Barrera’s firing from the franchise.
In a recent Q&A, actor Matthew Lillard discussed the need to remain politically active in Hollywood, eventually responding to questions about Melissa Barrera’s firing and his Scream 7 return. Lillard reprised his role as Stu Macher in Kevin Williamson’s franchise sequel, appearing as an AI-generated version of the original killer who taunts Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) as a new Ghostface killer begins targeting those closest to her.
Scream 7 followed after Christopher Landon’s planned sequel was sidelined after star Melissa Barrera was fired and Jenna Ortega departed. Barrera was let go after sharing public comments in support of Palestine amidst the ongoing conflict with Israel.
“I don’t know how else to do it,” Lillard shared in a fan-recorded video. “For me, I have queer kids. If I’m not standing up for queer kids or kids in the trans community, then what the fuck am I doing? If I’m not standing up against ICE, then what the f–k am I doing?”
He additionally added, “I’m embarrassed; that’s the truth… I blew that. I’m on the wrong side of history for that. I still like being in the movie [but] it may not have been the best idea.”
Lillard’s comments were first reported by Entertainment Weekly.
