Ghostface OG Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Ruin the Series with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is gearing up for a major family reunion. This new chapter signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a role 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 Favorites

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from past films are set to return in this new outing, despite meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their resurrection is still unclear. Audiences should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a brief appearance is a dream come true, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the precise instant he received the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the small talk. I remember him posing the question. 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 cult status in the years since the 1996 movie was released, which made Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a role that lives in infamy, like it or not," he notes. "A character that is now embodied in each and every Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about not wanting to be the one who damages the beloved series.

"The outcome is either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I don't know if the film will 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 trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the series. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While countless dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they exist rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, like a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a strange shared scenario. The chance of a meta-horror story, inspired by earlier horror movies, also exists.

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