Matthew Lillard, the talented actor known for his roles in iconic films, recently shared his reflections on the outpouring of support he received following remarks made by renowned director Quentin Tarantino. Lillard, who is set to reprise his much-loved role as Stu Macher in the upcoming film, *Scream 7*, expressed that the reactions from fans and colleagues were akin to being the subject of a heartfelt eulogy while still very much alive.
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In an exclusive interview with *PEOPLE*, the 56-year-old actor described the effusion of kind words and sentiments as a surreal experience. “It felt like I had died and was in heaven watching everyone send out their RIP tweets,” he remarked, highlighting how the reactions seemed to transform a critical moment into a celebration of his work. Lillard further elaborated that the attention, while unexpected, was heartwarming and helped him to feel appreciated within the industry.
The remarks from Tarantino, which sparked this wave of support, were made during a recent episode of *The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast*. The acclaimed director expressed that he was not particularly fond of Lillard’s acting, alongside comments regarding fellow actors Paul Dano and Owen Wilson. Following this, Lillard addressed the criticism at GalaxyCon in Columbus, Ohio, openly admitting that while it stung, he was largely unfazed by the commentary. “Yeah, whatever. Who gives a s—,” he responded, before adding, “It f—-ing sucks,” and pointing out the disparity in how such remarks are delivered against established stars versus emerging talents.
In the aftermath of the controversy, various figures from Hollywood, including George Clooney and James Gunn, rallied in support of Lillard and his peers. Clooney, appearing at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, expressed his desire to collaborate with Lillard, Dano, and Wilson, demonstrating solidarity among actors in the industry. This collective support was warmly acknowledged by Lillard, who indicated it has been uplifting to receive kind words not just from prominent figures but also from everyday fans, including those he encountered at a local mall.
Despite the positive response, Lillard admitted that hearing Tarantino’s critiques was disheartening. He expressed admiration for the filmmaker’s work and conveyed a desire to be part of a Tarantino production. “I think he’s a lovely filmmaker,” Lillard said. “To just sort of get punched in the mouth was kind of a bummer.” Nevertheless, he took solace in the recognition and affection he received from others in the wake of the comments, characterising the experience as ultimately “kind of lovely.”
Looking forward, Lillard is gearing up for his much-anticipated return as Stu Macher in *Scream 7*, the latest addition to the popular horror franchise. At Silver Scream Con, he expressed his excitement for the film and reassured fans that it would not tarnish the legacy of the series. “I’m thrilled to be back,” he stated. “The movie’s fantastic, and I’m really excited for people to see it. It’s not gonna ruin the franchise, that’s the good news. I don’t think!”
The upcoming film will also see the return of original cast members Neve Campbell, David Arquette, and Courteney Cox, who will reprise their roles as beloved characters Sidney Prescott, Dewey Riley, and Gale Weathers, respectively. Fans of the franchise are eagerly anticipating the film’s release, which is set for February 27, 2026.
As Lillard navigates this new chapter in his career, he appears ready to embrace both the challenges and the recognitions that come with being a part of Hollywood. His experience serves as a reminder of the support network that exists within the industry, especially in times of criticism.