Scream Original Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Ruin 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 latest installment marks the legendary return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a character you played in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," the actor admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Characters

It has been established that a trio of different characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Audiences should prepare for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first time since a brief cameo is a dream come true, though he is apprehensive about the audience response. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

"I remember the phone call. I recall the pleasantries. I recall him posing the question. That moment is permanently etched on my mind," he states. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the years since the original film was released, which left Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

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

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is waiting as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense pressure about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular series.

"The outcome is either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I don't know if the film will be successful. I don't know if people want to see me. I've definitely seen enough people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the series. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Abound

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they live rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a strange shared situation. The possibility of a self-referential story, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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