Scream OG Star the Actor Is Anxious He Could Spoil the Franchise with the Seventh Installment.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a massive family reunion. This latest installment signals the legendary return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a character you portrayed in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a challenge that kept me up at night," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallen Characters

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, despite dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should prepare for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a brief appearance is a dream come true, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he received the news from the series creator.

"I remember the phone call. I recall the small talk. I recall him asking. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he states. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the decades since the 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, for better or worse," he explains. "A character 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 concluded, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He admits to feeling immense anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved franchise.

"It's either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "At the start, I don't know if the movie's be successful. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this trope?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the series. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Run High

While countless dedicated fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are in some way still living in a strange communal scenario. The possibility of a meta-horror narrative, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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