Scream Original Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Spoil the Series with Scream 7.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters next year, and it is gearing up for a major gathering of familiar faces. This latest installment signals the iconic return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Coming back to a character you portrayed in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," the actor admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Favorites

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this new outing, despite dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Audiences should prepare for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Status

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

"I recall the phone call. I remember the small talk. I recall him posing the question. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he states. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the years since the 1996 movie was released, which left Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"The reality is, that's a part that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he explains. "A character that is now embodied in each and every Ghostface mask that appears every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fans

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular franchise.

"The outcome is either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the film will be successful. I don't know if people want to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Abound

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they live rent-free in Sidney's mind, similar to a prior storyline. Or, perhaps they are somehow still living in a bizarre shared scenario. The possibility of a meta-horror narrative, reminiscent of earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

Audiences will discover the answer when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.