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

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a massive family reunion. This new chapter signals the iconic return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the previous film. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a role you played in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor reveals.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallen Characters

Reports have confirmed that a trio of distinct characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a small cameo is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the audience response. The performer clearly remembers the precise instant he received the news from the original writer.

"I recall the phone call. I remember the pleasantries. I remember him asking. That moment is permanently etched on my psyche," he states. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the years since the 1996 movie was released, which made Lillard feeling very nervous.

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

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is waiting as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who damages the popular 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 am unsure if people want to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of 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 mess up the series. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Abound

While countless longtime fans are excited for Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others return remains. Perhaps they live as manifestations in Sidney's mind, like a prior storyline. Or, maybe they are in some way still living in a bizarre communal scenario. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by classic genre films, also exists.

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