Scream OG Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Ruin 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 signals the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a role you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're in your fifties was a challenge that kept me up at night," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallon Characters

It has been established that a trio of different characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this new outing, despite meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Audiences should prepare for the return of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first time since a small appearance is a dream come true, even if he is terrified about the audience response. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he got the news from the series creator.

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

Stu Macher has achieved iconic status in the decades since the 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a role that is infamous, for better or worse," he explains. "A character that is now embodied in every single Scream mask that appears every Halloween."

The Fear of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling significant anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular series.

"It's either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the film will be successful. I don't know if people are eager to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this trope?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Speculation and Excitement Abound

While many dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others return remains. Perhaps they exist rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a prior storyline. Or, maybe they are in some way all alive in a strange shared scenario. The chance of a meta-horror narrative, reminiscent of classic horror movies, also exists.

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