Skeet Ulrich Turned His Hotel Room Into Billy Loomis’ High School Bedroom While Preparing for 1996’s “Scream”

### Skeet Ulrich Reflects on Scream’s Legacy and His Deep Character Preparation

In a nostalgic tribute to the cult classic, Skeet Ulrich, renowned for his portrayal of Billy Loomis in the iconic horror film *Scream*, recently reunited with fellow cast members at the New York Comic Con to commemorate the movie’s 30th anniversary. The event, held on 9 October 2026, featured several original actors, including Matthew Lillard (Stu Macher), Jamie Kennedy (Randy Meeks), and Lee Waddell (the man behind the Ghostface costume).

Originally released in 1996, *Scream* influenced the horror genre and has since expanded into a successful franchise with six sequels, most recently *Scream 7*, which premiered earlier this year. Ulrich, now 56, took a moment during the panel to reflect on the significant research and preparation he undertook to embody his notorious character, Billy Loomis.

“I had suites at our hotel, so I had a bedroom and a living room, and the living room, I turned into Billy Loomis’ high school room,” Ulrich recounted. His elaborate approach was driven by his desire to fully immerse himself in the character’s psyche. By decorating his hotel space with posters and black lights, Ulrich sought to recapture the teenage mindset, despite his own age of 26 while filming.

Delving deeper into his preparation, Ulrich noted that this role marked his first venture into villainy. The actor described his process as not merely mimicking “evil” but rather understanding the complexities of his character’s motivations. “I had to learn new things in terms of his psychotic nature and how to portray that as convincingly as possible,” he explained. The actor’s insights revealed a profound understanding that villains are not merely black or white; rather, they occupy a complex moral landscape.

The actor further elaborated on the nuances of Billy Loomis, asserting, “For a bad guy, I came up with all the reasons why, of course, he’s doing this. He was righteous in what his mission was.” This research-based approach allowed Ulrich to create a multi-dimensional character that resonated with audiences on various levels.

Lillard, who shared the screen with Ulrich in subsequent scenes, noted the difference in their preparatory styles. “Skeet was doing a bunch of serial killer research, while I came on set just making jokes,” he quipped, alluding to their contrasting methods during filming. This interplay highlighted the creative tensions involved in bringing a dark narrative to life, with Ulrich striving for authenticity and Lillard providing levity.

As the discussion progressed, it became evident how much *Scream* had shaped not only the horror genre but also the careers of its cast members. Since the original release, Ulrich, Lillard, Kenneth, and others have maintained their relevance in Hollywood, often returning to the legacy of *Scream*. This reunion at the Comic Con is just one of many tributes to the film’s lasting impact.

With its blend of horror and humour, *Scream* has amassed a dedicated fanbase and continued to inspire further entries in the franchise. As the ensemble reflected on their time in the original film, it was clear that the story had evolved, echoing through decades while tackling themes of youth, violence, and morality.

The conversation also touched on the franchise’s enduring success and its ability to adapt to contemporary audiences. Ulrich’s character, Billy, continues to appear in the series, notably as a hallucination experienced by his daughter Melissa Barrera in *Scream VI*, which exemplifies how *Scream* carries its legacy through complex familial relationships and psychological dimensions.

As Skeet Ulrich looks back over the past 30 years, he acknowledges not only the significance of his role but also the evolution of horror cinema. His commitment to character research and immersive preparation has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on *Scream* and continues to resonate with fans old and new. This anniversary is not just a celebration of a film, but a testament to the talent and insight that brought its characters to life.