New Scream 7 trailer shown exclusively in theaters gives us our first look at Matthew Lillard's return as Stu Macher, and calls back to the first movie

Matthew Lillard as Stu Macher in Scream 1996 — (Image credit: Dimension Films)

If you happen to visit the movie theater this weekend, you may get a little surprise in the form of a brand spanking new Scream 7 trailer featuring a fan-favorite returning character.

Although Paramount has yet to officially release the new trailer, recordings from inside movie theaters have been circulating online. The new clip gives us another look at Sidney and her daughter, whose lives are turned upside down when yet another Ghostface killer targets Neve Campbell's final girl. However, in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment, we see a shot of what looks like Matthew Lillard's character, Stu Macher, on a computer screen.

Lillard's return has been confirmed for a while now, with the star admitting that he has been campaigning to reprise the role for quite some time. However, fans thought he may appear as a vision, just as Skeet Ulrich did as Billy in the fifth movie. However, from the looks of Lillard's crazed face on the computer screen, Stu seems to have aged from when we last saw him, telling us he is very much still alive.

The new trailer contains a few other Easter eggs, too, such as Sidney's daughter tied to a chair with her mouth taped just like Casey's boyfriend was at the start of the first movie. Plus, we can see the daughter, played by Isabel May, wearing Sidney's signature leather jacket from Scream 2. This comes just days after director Kevin Williamson said that the upcoming sequel wouldn't be as meta as the rest of the franchise.

I'm the Junior Social Media Editor here at GamesRadar+, handling all of Total Film's social platforms. However, I also write, covering all things film and TV for the site's entertainment section. I joined GamesRadar+ in 2023 and have been here ever since. I previously worked in communications after graduating with an MA in journalism. In my spare time, you can find me binging horror movies or getting lost in a cosy little game on my Switch.

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