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

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a massive family reunion. This latest installment marks the legendary return of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a character you portrayed in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," the actor admits.

An Unexpected Return for Fallen Favorites

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, despite dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Fans should prepare for the return of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a small appearance is a dream come true, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The actor clearly remembers the precise instant he got the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the pleasantries. I recall him posing the question. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he states. "Therefore I'm really proud to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

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

"Truthfully, that's a part that is infamous, like it or not," he explains. "A character that is now embodied in every single Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the final product. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who damages the beloved franchise.

"It's either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I don't know if the movie's gonna work. I don't know if people want to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the franchise. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While countless longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others return remains. Maybe they live rent-free in Sidney's mind, similar to a prior storyline. Or, perhaps they are somehow all alive in a strange communal scenario. The chance of a meta-horror narrative, inspired by classic genre films, also exists.

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