Matthew Lillard Is Still a Bona Fide Scream King

The actor behind the original Ghostface killer is back for 'Scream 7' and launching his own Ghost Face Vodka brand.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Matthew Lillard, the actor who played the original Ghostface killer Stu Macher in the 1996 slasher film Scream, is returning to the franchise for Scream 7. In addition to reprising his iconic role, Lillard is also launching his own Ghost Face Vodka brand. The actor reflects on his memorable experiences filming the original Scream, shares behind-the-scenes details, and discusses his other upcoming horror projects, including a Carrie TV adaptation and the Five Nights at Freddy's film series.

Why it matters

Lillard's return to the Scream franchise and his new Ghost Face Vodka brand highlight his enduring status as a beloved horror icon. As the original Ghostface killer, Lillard's character was a pivotal part of the Scream franchise's success and helped define the slasher genre. Lillard's continued involvement in the series, as well as his other high-profile horror projects, demonstrate his lasting appeal and influence in the genre.

The details

Lillard reveals that he only wore the Ghostface mask once during the filming of the original Scream, with a stuntman used for most of the killer's scenes. He also discusses the intense filming process for the climactic kitchen sequence, which required multiple takes and emotional stamina from the cast. Lillard also shares his thoughts on the ambiguity surrounding his character's involvement in certain murders in the first film, noting that the filmmakers were not overly concerned with solidifying those details at the time.

  • In 1996, Lillard starred as Stu Macher in the original Scream film.
  • Scream 7 is set to hit theaters on Friday.

The players

Matthew Lillard

A 56-year-old actor who is best known for playing Stu Macher, the first Ghostface killer, in the Scream franchise. He has also had roles in other horror films and is launching his own Ghost Face Vodka brand.

Wes Craven

The director of the original Scream film, whose career had stalled a bit before the success of the 1996 slasher movie.

Kevin Williamson

The writer of the original Scream film, who co-hosted a 25th anniversary screening of the movie with Lillard.

Skeet Ulrich

Lillard's co-star in the original Scream, who played the other Ghostface killer, Billy Loomis.

James Gunn

The writer of the Scooby-Doo films, which Lillard has voiced the character of Shaggy in, and a director Lillard hopes to work with in the future.

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What they’re saying

“Without a doubt, that last sequence where everyone's in the kitchen and the whole movie's playing out. That's an unforgettable moment, not only for the film but in my career. That was a 21-day shoot in that kitchen. The memory I remember most about that is going to work every day at 6:00 p.m. and working until 6:00 in the morning and having to ramp up every single time you go back into the work.”

— Matthew Lillard, Actor (Esquire)

“Back then, nobody ever assumed for one second that it was going to be anything else other than just another '90s horror film. [It was] a genre that was petering out. Wes Craven's career had stalled a bit. We didn't need to immortalize these decisions. It just never crossed our minds.”

— Matthew Lillard, Actor (Esquire)

What’s next

Scream 7 is set to hit theaters on Friday, and fans are eagerly anticipating Lillard's return as the iconic Ghostface killer. The film is expected to continue the legacy of the Scream franchise, which has become a beloved horror staple over the past three decades.

The takeaway

Matthew Lillard's enduring popularity as the original Ghostface killer in the Scream franchise, combined with his new Ghost Face Vodka brand, solidifies his status as a true horror icon. His willingness to revisit and expand on the character he helped create, as well as his involvement in other high-profile horror projects, demonstrates his lasting impact on the genre and his continued relevance to fans.