Ghostface Original Star the Actor Fears He Could Ruin the Series with Scream 7.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a massive family reunion. This new chapter marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a role you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're in your fifties was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard reveals.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallen Characters

It has been established that a trio of distinct characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this new outing, even though meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Fans should get ready for the return of the endearing and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the director and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a small cameo is a dream come true, though he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the precise instant he got the news from the original writer.

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

Stu Macher has achieved iconic status in the decades since the original film was released, which made Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he notes. "A part that is now embodied in every single Ghostface mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who damages the popular franchise.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I have no idea if the movie's be successful. I don't know if people want to see me. I've certainly seen enough people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this trope?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the series. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Abound

While countless longtime fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others return remains. Maybe they exist rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow still living in a bizarre shared scenario. The chance of a meta-horror story, reminiscent of classic genre films, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will find out the answer when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.