Scream OG Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Ruin the Series with Scream 7.

The long-awaited horror film Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a massive 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 joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a character you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," Lillard reveals.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallen Characters

Reports have confirmed that three distinct characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, despite dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should prepare for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first time since a small appearance is a dream come true, though he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he got the news from the original writer.

"I remember the conversation. I remember the small talk. I recall him posing the question. That moment is permanently etched on my mind," he states. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the decades since the 1996 movie premiered, which left Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he notes. "A part that is now represented in every single Scream mask that appears every October 31st."

The Fear of Disappointing the Fandom

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

"It's either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I don't know if the movie's be successful. I don't know if people want to see me. I've certainly seen enough people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the franchise. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While many dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they exist rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow still living in a bizarre shared scenario. The chance of a self-referential narrative, reminiscent of earlier genre films, also is on the table.

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