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

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a major gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter signals the iconic return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

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

A Triumphant Return for Fallon Characters

It has been established that three different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this new outing, despite dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first time since a small cameo is a long-held wish, though he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The actor clearly remembers the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the small talk. I remember him posing the question. That moment is indelibly imprinted 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 was released, which left Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

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

The Fear of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the finished film. He admits to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved franchise.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are thrilled 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 are eager to see me. I've certainly seen enough 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 hope people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While countless longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others come back persists. Perhaps they exist rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a prior storyline. Or, maybe they are in some way all alive in a bizarre communal situation. The chance of a meta-horror narrative, inspired by earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

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