Ghostface Original Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Spoil the Franchise with Scream 7.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is gearing up for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter marks the legendary return of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a role you played in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallen Characters

Reports have confirmed that a trio of distinct characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Audiences should get ready for the return of the beloved and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the director and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first time since a brief cameo is a dream come true, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer clearly remembers the precise instant he got the offer from the series creator.

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

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

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

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is waiting as everyone else to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about not wanting to be the one who damages the popular franchise.

"The outcome is either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I have no idea if the movie's be successful. I don't know if people are eager to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not mess up the franchise. 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 central mystery of how he and the others return persists. Perhaps they live as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, like a previous plot device. Or, perhaps they are in some way all alive in a bizarre shared situation. The chance of a self-referential narrative, inspired by earlier horror movies, also exists.

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