Ghostface OG Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Ruin the Series with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a major family reunion. This new chapter signals the legendary return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out 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.

"Coming back to a character you played in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Return for Fallon Characters

It has been established that three different characters from earlier films are set to return in this new outing, despite meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should prepare for the return of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first occasion since a small cameo is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the original writer.

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

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the decades since the original film premiered, which made Lillard feeling very nervous.

"The reality is, that's a part that lives in infamy, like it or not," he notes. "A part that is now embodied in each and every Ghostface mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fans

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the final product. He admits to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who damages the beloved franchise.

"The outcome is either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the movie's gonna work. I don't know if people are eager to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the franchise. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Abound

While many longtime fans are excited for Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others return persists. Perhaps they live rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, like a previous plot device. Alternatively, perhaps they are somehow still living in a strange communal situation. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by earlier horror movies, also exists.

Audiences will find out the truth when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.