Scream OG Star the Actor 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 major family reunion. This latest installment marks the iconic return of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a role you played in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that kept me up at night," Lillard admits.

An Unexpected Return for Fallen Characters

It has been established that three distinct characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though dying in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection is still unclear. Audiences should prepare for the return of the beloved and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a small appearance is a long-held wish, though he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The actor clearly remembers the precise instant he received the offer from the series creator.

"I remember the conversation. I recall the pleasantries. I recall him asking. That moment 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 achieved cult status in the years since the 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling very nervous.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he notes. "A part that is now represented in every single Ghostface mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is waiting as everyone else to see the final product. He admits to feeling significant anxiety about not wanting to be the one who ruins the popular 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 definitely seen enough people state 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 series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they live as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a bizarre shared scenario. The chance of a meta-horror story, reminiscent of earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

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