Matthew Lillard, the beloved actor who brought the iconic character Stu Macher to life in the 1996 horror classic Scream, recently opened up about the wild behind-the-scenes antics that went down during filming. And let’s just say, the cast wasn’t just running from Ghostface—they were also running on caffeine, chaos, and a whole lot of drinks!
In a candid interview, Lillard revealed that the Scream cast, including David Arquette (who played Dewey Riley), often turned Arquette’s hotel room into their personal party hub. “We were drinking like fools in David’s room,” Lillard laughed, recalling the good old days. “It was a different time, you know? We were young, having fun, and just living it up while making this crazy movie.”
The 1996 slasher film, directed by Wes Craven, became a cultural phenomenon, but it seems the off-screen drama was just as memorable as the on-screen scares. Lillard shared that the cast’s bond was instant, and their nights often spilled into early mornings. “David was the ringleader of the fun,” he said. “His room was the place to be. We’d hang out, joke around, and just enjoy the moment. It was like summer camp but with way more alcohol.”
Lillard also hinted that the cast’s antics might have even influenced their performances. “There was this energy on set—this rawness and spontaneity—that I think came from us just being ourselves,” he explained. “We were all in it together, and that camaraderie really showed in the film.”
Fans of Scream will undoubtedly love this peek behind the curtain, especially as the franchise continues to thrive with new installments. Lillard’s stories remind us that while Scream was a groundbreaking horror film, it was also a product of its time—a time when young actors could let loose and create something magical.
So, the next time you rewatch Scream and see Stu’s infamous “I’m feeling a little woozy!” line, just know that Lillard might’ve been channeling some real-life experiences from those wild nights in David Arquette’s room!
What do you think of these juicy behind-the-scenes stories? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow Scream fans!