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

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a massive family reunion. This new chapter signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Coming back to a role you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're in your fifties was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," the actor admits.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallen Characters

It has been established that three distinct characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their resurrection is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a small cameo is a long-held wish, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the precise instant he got the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the conversation. I recall the small talk. I recall him posing the question. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "Therefore I'm really proud to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

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

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

The Fear of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling immense pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved franchise.

"It's either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I don't know if the movie's be successful. I am unsure 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 pressure to not mess up the series. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Run High

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others return remains. Maybe they live rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Or, perhaps they are somehow still living in a bizarre communal scenario. The possibility of a self-referential narrative, reminiscent of classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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