Scream OG Star the Actor Is Anxious He Could Ruin the Franchise with Scream 7.

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 gathering of familiar faces. This latest installment marks the iconic return of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a character you played in your mid-20s when you're in your fifties was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Characters

It has been established that a trio of distinct characters from earlier films are set to return in this new outing, even though meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Fans should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first time since a brief cameo is a dream come true, even if he is terrified about the public's reaction. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he got the news from the original writer.

"I recall the conversation. I recall the small talk. I recall him posing the question. That instance is permanently etched on my mind," he says. "Therefore I'm really proud to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the years since the original film was released, which made Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"Truthfully, that's a part that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he explains. "A character that is now represented in each and every Ghostface mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us 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 observes. "At the start, I don't know if the movie's 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 idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Speculation and Excitement Run High

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Perhaps they exist rent-free in Sidney's mind, similar to a previous plot device. Or, perhaps they are somehow still living in a strange communal scenario. The possibility of a self-referential story, inspired by classic genre films, also exists.

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