Scream OG Star the Actor Fears He Could Spoil the Franchise with Scream 7.

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

"Coming back to a role you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Favorites

Reports have confirmed that three different characters from earlier films are set to return in this new outing, despite dying in previous installments. The exact mechanism of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop 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, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a brief appearance is a dream come true, even if he is terrified about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the precise instant he received the news from the series creator.

"I recall the conversation. I recall the small talk. I recall him posing the question. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the years since the original film was released, which made Lillard feeling very nervous.

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

The Fear of Letting Down the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is waiting as everyone else to see the final product. He admits to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the popular franchise.

"It's either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I have no idea if the film will be successful. I don't know if people want to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Excitement Abound

While many dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Alternatively, perhaps they are in some way still living in a strange communal situation. The chance of a self-referential story, reminiscent of earlier horror movies, also exists.

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