Scream Original Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Ruin the Franchise with Scream 7.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a major family reunion. This new chapter marks the legendary return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a role you played in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor admits.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallon Characters

Reports have confirmed that three distinct characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in previous installments. The exact mechanism of their return is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the beloved and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a small appearance is a dream come true, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the conversation. I recall the small talk. I remember him posing the question. That moment is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he says. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the years since the 1996 movie premiered, which left Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

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

The Fear of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the finished film. He admits to feeling immense anxiety about not wanting to be the one who ruins the popular series.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I have no idea if the film will be successful. I don't know if people are eager to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people come out 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 series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Abound

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they live as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, like a previous plot device. Alternatively, maybe they are in some way still living in a bizarre communal scenario. The chance of a meta-horror story, reminiscent of earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will discover the truth when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.