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 massive gathering of familiar faces. This latest installment marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, as usual, 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 role you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," Lillard admits.

An Unexpected Return for Fallen Characters

It has been established that a trio of different characters from earlier films are set to return in this new outing, despite meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Fans should prepare for the return of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and third film killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a brief cameo is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the audience response. The actor clearly remembers the precise instant he got the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the phone call. I remember the pleasantries. I remember him asking. That moment is permanently etched on my psyche," he states. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved iconic status in the years since the 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling very nervous.

"Truthfully, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he explains. "A part that is now embodied in every single Scream mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the final product. He admits to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the popular series.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I have no idea if the film will 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 going back to this idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not mess up the series. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Run High

While countless dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Maybe they live rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a previous plot device. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a bizarre shared scenario. The possibility of a self-referential narrative, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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