Ghostface Original 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 family reunion. This new chapter marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.

"Coming back to a role you played in your twenties when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Return for Fallon Favorites

It has been established that a trio of distinct characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in prior movies. The exact mechanism of their return is still unclear. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Legacy

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 public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the series creator.

"I remember the phone call. I remember the pleasantries. I remember him posing the question. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he says. "Therefore I'm really proud to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the years since the 1996 movie was released, which made Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"Truthfully, that's a role that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he notes. "A character that is now embodied in every single Scream mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the finished film. He admits to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who damages the popular franchise.

"It's either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "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 certainly seen plenty of people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Run High

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others return persists. Perhaps they live as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a previous plot device. Alternatively, perhaps they are somehow still living in a strange shared situation. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by classic horror movies, also exists.

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