Scream Original Star the Actor Fears He Could Spoil the Series with the Seventh Installment.

The long-awaited 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 previous film. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a role you portrayed in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a daunting task that kept me up at night," the actor admits.

An Unexpected Return for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that a trio of different characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the endearing and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a small appearance is a dream come true, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the small talk. I remember him posing the question. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he says. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the years since the original film premiered, which left Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a part that is infamous, like it or not," he explains. "A character that is now represented in each and every Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense pressure about not wanting to be the one who damages the popular franchise.

"The outcome is either a hit 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 gonna work. I don't know if people want to see me. I've certainly seen enough people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the series. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While many dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others return persists. Maybe they live rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, like a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are somehow all alive in a strange shared situation. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by classic genre films, also is on the table.

Audiences will find out the answer when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.