Scream Original Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Ruin the Series with Scream 7.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a role you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that kept me up at night," the actor admits.

An Unexpected Return for Fallon Characters

It has been established that a trio of distinct characters from earlier films are set to return in this new outing, despite meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection is still unclear. Audiences should get ready for the return of the beloved and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the director and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a small cameo is a long-held wish, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The actor clearly remembers the exact moment he received the offer from the series creator.

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

Stu Macher has achieved iconic status in the decades since the 1996 movie was released, which left Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he notes. "A part that is now embodied in each and every Ghostface mask that appears every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the finished film. He admits to feeling significant anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular series.

"The outcome is either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I don't know 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 pressure to not ruin the franchise. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Run High

While countless dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others return persists. Perhaps they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Or, perhaps they are somehow all alive in a bizarre shared situation. The chance of a meta-horror story, inspired by earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

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