Ghostface Original Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Spoil the Series with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is gearing up for a massive family reunion. This new chapter marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, per tradition, 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 played in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard admits.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallon Characters

Reports have confirmed that three distinct 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. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half 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 occasion since a small cameo is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the series creator.

"I remember the conversation. I remember the small talk. I remember him posing the question. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he states. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

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

"The reality is, that's a role that lives in infamy, like it or not," he explains. "A character that is now embodied in every single Ghostface mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is waiting 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 thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I have no idea if the film will be successful. 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 trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the series. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Abound

While countless longtime fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they live rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a previous plot device. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a strange communal situation. The chance of a meta-horror narrative, inspired by earlier horror movies, also exists.

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