Ghostface OG Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Spoil the Franchise with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter marks the iconic 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 aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a character you played in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a daunting task that kept me up at night," the actor reveals.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Characters

Reports have confirmed that three different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this new outing, despite dying in previous installments. The precise method of their resurrection is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first occasion since a small appearance is a dream come true, though he is apprehensive about the audience response. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the pleasantries. I remember him asking. That moment is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he states. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

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

"The reality is, that's a role that lives in infamy, like it or not," he explains. "A part that is now represented in each and every Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the finished film. He admits to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who damages the beloved franchise.

"The outcome is either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "At the start, I don't know if the film will gonna work. I am unsure if people are eager to see me. I've certainly seen enough 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 ruin the series. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Run High

While countless dedicated fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others come back persists. Maybe they exist rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, like a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a strange shared situation. The chance of a meta-horror narrative, reminiscent of classic genre films, also is on the table.

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