Matthew Lillard Critiques His Own Performance in ‘Scream’, Admits He Was ‘Overdoing It’ | Video
Matthew Lillard’s portrayal in the iconic horror film "Scream" has earned him a dedicated fan base, yet he holds a candid view of his younger self, admitting that he felt he may have gone a bit overboard with his performance in this Wes Craven classic.
In a recent episode of the podcast "On Film…With Kevin McCarthy," the horror veteran reflected on his role as Stu Macher, one of the film's initial antagonists. He shared that some of his most memorable lines were actually spontaneous improvisations, which added an unexpected charm to his character.
However, Lillard did not shy away from acknowledging his own criticisms, expressing that he perceived some aspects of his acting as flawed, particularly highlighting instances where he believed he overacted. "I think you can see a young actor giving it their all in every scene," he remarked. "It’s like he was doing too much. He’s really chewing the scenery here."
This revelation surprised podcast host Kevin McCarthy, who expressed disbelief that Lillard could view himself in such a critical light, praising him as "brilliant" in the role that has become a cult favorite among horror enthusiasts.
Lillard responded thoughtfully, explaining, "What I find brilliant is how Wes Craven assembled a perfectly balanced Jenga tower of performances. Jamie Kennedy, Neve Campbell, W. Earl Brown, Courteney Cox, Skeet Ulrich – they all delivered exceptional moments. He brought together the right cast, the right script, and a unique style of performances that resonated with the cultural moment."
When the conversation shifted to the infamous scene at the film's climax where his character is seen “drooling blood,” Lillard stood firm in his critique, saying, "That’s just Matt Lillard being silly … that’s all me, just going a bit overboard. That’s what I mean by doing too much."
Looking ahead, Lillard is set to revisit his role as Stu Macher in the upcoming installment of the franchise, "Scream 7." The plot teases a new Ghostface killer emerging in the town where Sidney Prescott has tried to establish a peaceful life. Her deepest anxieties come into play as her daughter becomes the next target.
This new chapter will also feature familiar faces such as Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, and Joel McHale.
Mark your calendars, as "Scream 7" is scheduled for release in theaters on February 27.
