Ghostface OG Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Spoil the Series with the Seventh Installment.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a major family reunion. This new chapter signals the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a role you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard reveals.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that three different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though dying in prior movies. The exact mechanism of their resurrection is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first occasion since a small appearance is a long-held wish, though he is apprehensive about the audience response. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he received the offer from the original writer.

"I remember the phone call. I remember the small talk. I recall him asking. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the years since the original film was released, which left Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he explains. "A character that is now embodied in each and every Scream mask that appears every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He admits to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the popular franchise.

"It's either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard observes. "At the start, I have no idea if the film will gonna work. I don't know if people want to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this trope?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While many longtime fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others return remains. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a strange shared scenario. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will discover the answer when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.