Ghostface OG Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Ruin the Series with the Seventh Installment.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a major gathering of familiar faces. This latest installment 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 fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a role you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard reveals.

An Unexpected Return for Fallon Favorites

Reports have confirmed that three different characters from earlier films are set to return in this new outing, even though dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a small appearance is a dream come true, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he received the news from the original writer.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the small talk. I recall him asking. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he states. "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 original film was released, which left Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"Truthfully, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he notes. "A part that is now embodied in every single Scream mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that filming has concluded, 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 franchise.

"It's either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the film will gonna work. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people state 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 don't want people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Abound

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others return persists. Maybe they live as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are in some way still living in a strange communal scenario. The chance of a meta-horror story, reminiscent of earlier genre films, also is on the table.

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