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

The highly anticipated horror film Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters next year, and it is gearing up for a massive family reunion. This new chapter signals the iconic return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist 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," Lillard admits.

An Unexpected Return for Fallon Favorites

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a brief appearance is a dream come true, even if he is apprehensive about the audience response. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he received the news from the series creator.

"I remember the phone call. I recall the small talk. I recall him asking. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he states. "Therefore 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 premiered, which left Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"The reality is, that's a part that is infamous, for better or worse," he explains. "A character that is now represented in every single Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Fear of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved franchise.

"It's either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "At the start, I have no idea if the film will be successful. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've definitely seen enough people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Abound

While countless longtime fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Maybe they exist rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a prior storyline. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a strange shared situation. The possibility of a meta-horror narrative, reminiscent of earlier horror movies, also exists.

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