Scream OG Star the Actor Fears He Could Spoil the Series with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated horror film Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a major gathering of familiar faces. This latest installment signals the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be joined by 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 twenties when you're 55 was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," the actor admits.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallon Characters

It has been established that three different characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should prepare for the return of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a brief appearance is a long-held wish, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he received the news from the series creator.

"I remember the conversation. I recall the small talk. I remember him asking. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he states. "Therefore I'm really proud to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved iconic status in the decades since the original film was released, which left Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a part that lives in infamy, like it or not," he explains. "A part that is now represented in every single Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense pressure about hoping not to be the one who ruins the beloved franchise.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I don't know if the film will gonna work. I don't know if people are eager to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not mess up the series. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Speculation and Excitement Run High

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they exist rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Alternatively, perhaps they are in some way all alive in a bizarre shared situation. The chance of a self-referential story, inspired by classic genre films, also exists.

Moviegoers will find out the truth when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.