Scream Original Star the Actor Fears He Could Spoil the Franchise with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated horror film Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a major gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a role you played in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," the actor reveals.

A Triumphant Return for Fallon Characters

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this new outing, even though dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Fans should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first occasion since a brief appearance is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the audience response. The actor vividly recalls the exact moment he got the news from the series creator.

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

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the decades since the 1996 movie was released, which left Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"The reality is, that's a part that lives in infamy, like it or not," he explains. "A part that is now represented in each and every Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the finished film. He admits to feeling immense pressure about hoping not to be the one who ruins the beloved series.

"The outcome is either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I have no idea if the movie's gonna work. 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 returning to this trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the series. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Abound

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others return persists. Perhaps they live rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, like a previous plot device. Or, perhaps they are in some way all alive in a strange shared situation. The chance of a self-referential narrative, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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