Any legacy horror franchise worth its salt, like the Scream movies, has taught us a very important lesson: survival is just the beginning. Through all but one of the franchise’s sequels, Neve Campbell’s Sidney has worn a huge target on her back; thanks to the legacy of 1996’s Woodsboro Murders. As the sixth sequel threatens to “burn it all down,” Matthew Lillard’s part in everything may finally have an explanation that makes total sense.

An exterior shot of Fallbrook Psychiatric Hospital from Scream 7.

One Clip From Scream 7’s Big Game Spot Says It All 

With Scream 7 returning her to the fold, the stakes are a bit higher thanks to OG Ghost Face Stu Macher seemingly reappearing out of nowhere. That turn, ever since its initial announcement, has left fans asking one simple question: “How?” Well, thanks to Paramount Pictures’ new Big Game spot for creator Kevin Williamson’s own Scream return, I think we can finally answer that question.

Before we get too deep into the kill zone, let’s take a look at Scream 7’s Big Game Spot, shall we?

Now this is just a theory based on what we’re seeing here, so I could be totally wrong. That caveat in mind, our boy Stu may have been institutionalized at the Fallbrook Psychiatric Hospital. Sidney’s peek into a makeshift art gallery dedicated to her is another huge indicator that this is Scream 7’s big move. Which leaves us to wonder, just what happened in the years in between? 

Matthew Lillard doubled over in pain after getting stabbed in Scream.

What Has Stu Macher Been Doing During The Scream Series?

Somehow, Stu Macher appears to have survived Scream’s events. As the ghost of Randy Meeks would tell anyone who’ll listen, we didn’t see Stu die on camera. Matthew Lillard’s horror icon was a little woozy after Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich) stabbed him, but apparently the actor’s Scream’s failed TV kill shot theory has more weight to it than we thought.

Cue Stu’s eventual trial and sentencing to Fallbrook Psychiatric Hospital, in hopes of rehabilitation. Over decades he hears recurring stories about Sidney Prescott’s brushes with copycats looking to reshape the Ghost Face legacy. 

That sort of thing could push a killer to an even more extreme edge; prompting him to show future knock offs how it’s really done. Which would lead to Stu’s presumed Scream 7 breakout – indicated by the police tape blocking the door when Sidney Evans shows up at Fallbrook Psychiatric. 

Does this theory hold up? We’ll find out as early as February 26th, thanks to Scream 7’s new Fan Event announced for theaters. Tickets will be on sale starting February 9th – the same day Scream devotees can purchase Ghost Face Vodka’s killer collectors box from Find Familiar Spriits. And as always, keep a browser tab open to THS’ Movie News, ready to learn all that’s new and exciting in the world of cinema.

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