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

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters next year, and it is gearing up for a major gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter marks the legendary return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Coming back to a role you played in your twenties when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that a trio of distinct characters from past films are slated to reappear in this new outing, despite meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Fans should prepare for the return of the endearing and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first time since a small appearance is a long-held wish, though he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer 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 mind," he says. "So I'm really proud to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

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

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

The Fear of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He admits to feeling significant anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved series.

"It's either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I don't know if the movie's gonna work. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people come out 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 ruin the series. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Abound

While countless dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others return remains. Perhaps they exist rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a prior storyline. Or, perhaps they are in some way all alive in a bizarre shared situation. The possibility of a self-referential narrative, inspired by earlier genre films, also exists.

Moviegoers will discover the truth when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.