Matthew Lillard Says He Regrets Joining $200 Million Scream 7 After Melissa Barrera Firing
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 18
Matthew Lillard Says He Regrets Joining $200 Million Scream 7 After Melissa Barrera Firing
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 18
Summary
Austin, Texas, remarks at a 30th-anniversary screening had Matthew Lillard saying he felt "ashamed" and "on the wrong side of history" for returning to "Scream 7."
Lillard said excitement about reprising Stu Macher overrode his concerns about Melissa Barrera, who was fired in November 2023 over social media posts criticizing Israel's war in Gaza.
He defended Barrera as "on the right side of history" and said the industry failed to support her, after Barrera had earlier called returning cast members "scabby."
Spyglass had said Barrera's rhetoric crossed into antisemitism rather than mere support for Palestinians; Barrera rejected that characterization and said governments should remain open to criticism.
"Scream 7" still became the franchise's top earner, passing $200 million worldwide after its Feb. 27 release despite the cast and production turmoil.