Ghostface Original Star the Actor Is Anxious He Could Ruin 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 preparing for a massive family reunion. This latest installment signals the iconic return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. 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 character you played in your mid-20s when you're in your fifties was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard admits.

An Unexpected Return for Fallon Characters

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from past films are set to return in this new outing, even though dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Audiences should prepare for the return of the beloved and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the director and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first occasion since a brief cameo is a long-held wish, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

"I remember the conversation. I recall the pleasantries. I remember him asking. That moment is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

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

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

The Fear of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the finished film. He admits to feeling immense pressure about hoping not to be the one who ruins the popular series.

"It's either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," 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 enough 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 sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a strange shared scenario. The chance of a self-referential narrative, inspired by earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

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