Summary
Stu Macher is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Ghostface killers in the Scream franchise, after appearing in the original 1996 movie. Stu was Billy Loomis' zany accomplice during the murder spree, and appeared to die from his significant injuries in the legendary final sequence. However,some fans think he survived, and there is a debate over whether Stu Macher should/could return inScream 7.
The only confirmed cast member for the upcoming sequel is Neve Campbell, with Courteney Cox and Patrick Dempsey rumored to be in discussions to return to the popular horror franchise.Matthew Lillard(who portrayed Stu Macher) returned to the horror genre in 2023, playing the villain, William Afton inFive Nights At Freddy’s. He is confirmed to return in the sequel, set for release in 2025, butrumors still persist among the fan base that he could reprise his most famous role inScream 7.
How did Stu Macher supposedly die?
Scene 118 inScreamwas the famous sequence where the core characters gather at Stu Macher’s house for a party in the midst of the curfew after the brutal killings of Steven Orth and Casey Becker. It all proved to be a ploy to get Sidney Prescott to the house for the big reveal that her boyfriend,Billy Loomis, and his best friend, Stu Macher, were the perpetrators behind the Ghostface mask inScream. Sidney ended up dropping a television on Stu Macher’s head, electrocuting him after he had been stabbed repeatedly by Billy.
I always had a thing for ya Sid.
Despite this brutal incident, fans were convinced Stu Macher survived and remains alivein the Scream universe, despite not appearing again in the franchise. This theory gained traction when it was discovered that Matthew Lillard had originally been hired to reprise the role inScream 3, as the leader of acult of Ghostface, but this plan was scrapped after the tragic events at Columbine High School. However, Lillard was paid despite not appearing in the movie.
WhenScream (2022)came out, the theories resurfaced, and Lillard did his best to fuel them, as he was more than keen on playing Stu Macher again. Radio Silence duo, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett also featured a number of Easter eggs inScream (2022)andScream 6that pointed towards Stu’s possible survival, but no actual Stu Macher appearance materialized in either movie.WithScream 7on the horizon, the speculation has reared its ugly head again, with fans having their say on the ‘Stu is Alive’ debate on social media and online message boards.
Do fans want Stu Macher to return in Scream 7?
The Scream fans appear to be divided over whether Stu Macher should return inScream 7,with some not convinced the Ghostface killer survived the events ofScreamin 1996. On theReddit thread, ‘With the news about Neve’s return for Scream 7, let’s talk plot!’, one fan known as Low_Gold_6617 said:
I’m just praying that they leave Stu dead because I cannot handle this dragging out longer.
The discussion over Stu Macher possibly being alive hasn’t properly been ruled out in the Scream movies, which has led to many fans getting frustrated, and demanding an answer one way or another.There are many fans who are open to his return, but they are sick of the ongoing debate over it. If Stu was to return inScream 7,it would finally put the rumors to bed.
Scream 6hinted that either outcome could be possible, when Kirby and Detective Bailey surveyed a whiteboard showing all the Ghostface killers with confirmation of their current status. Next to Stu’s name, it said ‘Dead’ but a peculiar question mark also appeared close by. Further to this, in a discussion between Kirby and Mindy at the Ghostface shrine, Mindy raised the ambiguity over Stu’s death. On the same Reddit thread: ‘With the news about Neve’s return for Scream 7, let’s talk plot!’, a fan known as Beginning_Big4819 said:
I believe Christina Carpenter will be revealed as one of the Ghostface killers, and the first victim will be Stu Macher. Despite Christina not being innocent and having involvement in previous Scream killings, she believes her secrets are safe. However, when she discovers that Stu is alive, she decides to kill him. The only person aware of Stu’s survival is Dewey, who kept it confidential as a police secret, but his guilt leads him to record a video before his death, informing Sidney and Gale about Stu’s potential survival. He didn’t say anything because he thought they were safe as he’s locked in a mental hospital.
This is actually a really fun idea and a possible way that Stu could be alive. However, if Stu Macher was to be brought back, to be killed off straightaway, it would feel like a totally wasted opportunity. On the same thread, catpeople76 said:
Unpopular opinion, and I will die on this hill, I stand by Stu surviving. I love this!
Fans are so divided over whether Stu should return inScream 7.This fan suggests that it’s an unpopular opinion that Stu is alive, but to a large section of the Scream fan base, it’s a very popular opinion. LightFromYT agrees with this statement:
Same, actually. If written well, it could actually be a really good film.
For some fans, bringing Stu Macher back inScream 7would ruin the franchise beyond repair, but for the Stu truthers out there, it would be the best decision ever, and a good way to bring the series full circle.The creative team behindScream 7are fully aware of the fans being divided on this issue, and they must tread carefully if they are to consider bringing Stu back as Ghostface inScream 7.
