Scream Star Says Horror Franchise Is Too Violent Now

The Scream franchise has established itself as a staple in the horror genre over the past three decades. Since its debut, the series has introduced six films and a three-season TV show on MTV. While the franchise has maintained its hallmark blend of clever humor, shocking twists, and intense violence, it has also sought to ramp up the tension and brutality in its narratives.

However, one of the original cast members, Matthew Lillard—who played Stu Macher—has expressed concerns regarding the franchise’s latest installment. In a discussion with GamesRadar, he shared his thoughts on the recent sequels directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (2022’s Scream and 2023’s Scream VI), as well as the exciting news about screenwriter Kevin Williamson returning to helm the upcoming seventh film.

“I think it’s in a good place. Having [Kevin Williamson] back in charge is fantastic. I appreciated what [Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin] were doing before—no offense to them,” Lillard stated. “However, I felt the latest movie became excessively violent. There should never be a scenario where Ghostface has to wield a shotgun.”

Lillard’s comments refer to a scene in Scream VI where one of the Ghostface killers pursues sisters Sam (Melissa Barrera) and Tara Carpenter (Jenna Ortega) through a bodega in New York City while brandishing a shotgun. This particular moment has sparked much debate among fans since it appeared in one of the film’s early trailers. Lillard’s concerns resonate with others who share his dismay over the franchise’s move away from Ghostface’s classic knife attacks, although both 2022’s Scream and 2023’s Scream VI generally received positive feedback from audiences and critics alike.

During the same interview, Lillard conveyed optimism regarding the future of the franchise, especially with Williamson’s leadership. “I believe the films have been trying to replicate aspects of our original movie in various ways—like the dramatic monologue at the end. That’s a tough act to follow,” he remarked. “I truly hope Kevin can take things in a fresh, bold, and thrilling direction.”

Scream 7 is currently scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.