Scream Original Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Spoil the Series with Scream 7.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a major family reunion. This new chapter signals the legendary return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't 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," the actor admits.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallen Characters

It has been established that three distinct characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this new outing, even though dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should prepare for the return of the endearing and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a brief appearance is a dream come true, even if he is terrified about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the series creator.

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

Stu Macher has achieved iconic status in the years since the 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"The reality is, that's a role that lives in infamy, like it or not," he explains. "A part that is now embodied 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 waiting as everyone else to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved 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 am unsure if people are eager to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not mess up the franchise. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, 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 remains. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a prior storyline. Or, maybe they are in some way still living in a bizarre communal situation. The chance of a self-referential story, inspired by classic genre films, also exists.

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