Matthew Lillard Says SCREAM’s Billy and Stu Are the ‘First Husbands of Horror’

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Fans of the original *Scream* movie often comment on the complicated relationship between Billy and Stu. Over a year, they teamed up to commit terrible crimes, all stemming from Billy’s anger over an affair between Sidney’s mother and his father – an affair he unfairly blamed solely on Maureen. What’s even more surprising is how Billy convinced his close friend, Stu Macher, to join him in a murderous rampage. Their intense closeness and shared sense of being outsiders together felt distinctly queer. Matthew Lillard, who played Stu, has even said he believes Billy and Stu were queer-coded and jokingly calls them “the first husbands of horror.”

The discussion started when Damian Lillard and Skeet Ulrich were at a horror convention in Massachusetts. (PinkNews first highlighted this!) When someone asked Lillard about the popular fan idea that their characters, Billy and Stu, were gay, he said he actually agrees with it.

He acknowledged the prevalence of negativity, but expressed pride in being part of the first openly gay couple featured in a horror film. He felt empowered by this representation, believing it was something no one could invalidate or diminish.

He also sent a message of support to LGBTQ+ youth, letting them know he cares. I really appreciate his take on Billy and Stu’s relationship. I’ve long believed Stu got involved in everything because he was in love with Billy. As for Billy, I think he was simply too much of a sociopath to be capable of genuine love. However, he probably realized Stu had feelings for him and exploited that. It’s also possible Billy did care for Stu, but felt pressured to hide those feelings because of societal expectations.

Kevin Williamson, the writer of *Scream* and who is gay himself, has stated that he based the characters of Billy and Stu on Leopold and Loeb, two real-life murderers who were also gay. The film even hints at this within its story; in *Scream 2*, Randy suspects Billy, calling him a “rat-faced, homo-repressed Mama’s boy” shortly before he dies.

I’ve definitely picked up on some flirty energy between Billy and Stu, and honestly, it’s amazing to hear Matthew Lillard is totally aware of it and even enjoys the speculation! It’s a dynamic a lot of fans are noticing, and I’m here for it.

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2025-09-23 21:05