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

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a major gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter signals the legendary return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the previous film. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a character you played in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallon Characters

It has been established that a trio of different characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this new outing, despite meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first time since a small cameo is a long-held wish, even if he is apprehensive about the audience response. The actor clearly remembers the exact moment he got the news from the series creator.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the pleasantries. I recall him asking. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has attained 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, for better or worse," he notes. "A part that is now represented in every single Scream mask that appears every October 31st."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the final product. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about hoping not to be the one who ruins the beloved series.

"The outcome is either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the film will gonna work. I am unsure if people are eager to see me. I've certainly seen enough 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 series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Run High

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are in some way still living in a strange communal situation. The chance of a self-referential story, inspired by earlier genre films, also exists.

Audiences will find out the truth when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.