Skeet Ulrich Reflects on 30 Years of Scream and Why He Won’t Return as Billy Loomis
Three decades after bringing the original Ghostface accomplice Billy Loomis to life in Wes Craven’s groundbreaking slasher Scream, actor Skeet Ulrich has opened up about his limited relationship with the film, his enduring friendship with co‑star Matthew Lillard, and why he does not see himself slipping back into the blood‑stained costume for future installments.
A Cult Classic Viewed Only a Handful of Times
In a recent interview with Us Weekly at Angry Orchard’s Halloween‑themed pop‑up, Ulrich revealed that he has watched the 1996 original only three times. “Matthew Lillard and I did a live commentary while watching [the original Scream], and I think that’s only the third time I’ve seen it,” the 56‑year‑old said. He added that prior to the joint viewing it had been “a long time” since he last screened the movie, noting that it “held up” and prompted laughter as they reminisced about their younger selves.
The film, released in December 1996, launched a franchise that now spans five theatrical entries, a television series, and countless homages. Ulrich portrayed Sidney Prescott’s boyfriend, a role that concealed his character’s true identity as one of the two killers alongside Lillard’s Stu Macher.
Friendship Forged on Set and Strengthened Over Time
Ulrich credited the longevity of his bond with Lillard to the shared experience on the Scream set and the subsequent years spent attending conventions together. “We really primarily started doing conventions together, and the dinners after a day of work led to just getting to know each other. That’s gone on for the last 10 to 12 years,” he recalled. After the film’s release, their paths diverged—Ulrich moved to a farm in Virginia while Lillard pursued projects worldwide—yet their reunion sparked a rekindled friendship grounded in fatherhood and mutual respect.
“He’s an incredible father, and we had so much more to discuss later in our lives than we did back then. So I’m proud to call him a friend. He’s somebody I can call and throw anything at and he’s got a good answer and good advice for it,” Ulrich said.
Thoughts on the Franchise’s Future and His Own Return
When Lillard reprised his role as a deep‑fake version of Stu in the upcoming Scream VII, Ulrich voiced full support for the idea that the character could still be alive. “I do [support his theory]. One‑hundred percent,” he stated, before addressing the plausibility of his own character faking death. “I don’t think a gunshot wound to the head [is survivable].”
Despite a vision‑based appearance in Scream (2022)—the fifth film, where Billy Loomis haunted Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera) — Ulrich emphasized that he does not anticipate a physical return. He linked his decision to the narrative arc involving Barrera’s character, noting that without Melissa Barrera and her on‑screen daughter Sam Loomis, “there’s no Billy Loomis.” He added that the originally planned three‑film arc for the duo never materialized.
Ulrich also acknowledged that his gratitude for the franchise remains intact, citing the creative experiences and relationships it afforded him, especially his lasting camaraderie with Lillard.
Angry Orchard’s Halloween Collaboration Fuels Nostalgia
The interview took place amid Angry Orchard’s limited‑edition Thriller Variety Pack, a Halloween‑themed lineup inspired by Scream. The collection features glow‑in‑the‑dark packaging and flavors such as Mystery Caller, Caramel Apple Curse, Blood Orange, and Headless Pumpkin. Ulrich expressed his fondness for the Mystery Caller brew, quipping, “I like Mystery Caller, believe it or not. As I should, right?”
He praised the pop‑up’s recreation of a 1990s video‑rental store, recalling trips to the Blockbuster in West Hollywood and the communal ritual of hunting for a desired tape. “If you knew exactly what you wanted to watch and it wasn’t on the shelves, you would wait for the return box and go and check in the return box. There was just a real social element to it and a way for fans to interact that, unfortunately, we don’t get anymore,” Ulrich reflected.
The collaboration underscores how the film’s cultural imprint continues to resonate with new audiences, even as the original cast members pursue varied paths.
As of September 2025, Paramount Pictures has confirmed that Scream VII is slated for a February 2026 release, with directors Matt Bettinelli‑Olin and Tyler Gillett returning to helm the sequel. While Ulrich’s involvement remains unconfirmed, his recent comments suggest he will continue to support the franchise from afar, cherishing the memories and friendships forged three decades ago.
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