Ghostface OG Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Ruin the Series with Scream 7.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a massive family reunion. This latest installment marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a character you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Characters

It has been established that three distinct characters from earlier 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 get ready for the return of the endearing and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a brief cameo is a long-held wish, though he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The actor clearly remembers the precise instant he got the offer from the series creator.

"I remember the conversation. I recall the small talk. I remember him posing the question. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "Therefore I'm really proud to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved iconic status in the years since the original film was released, which left Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a role that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he notes. "A part that is now embodied in every single Scream mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense pressure about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved franchise.

"It's either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I have no idea if the film will be successful. I don't know 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 mess up the series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Run High

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, like a previous plot device. Alternatively, perhaps they are in some way all alive in a strange communal situation. The chance of a meta-horror story, reminiscent of classic horror movies, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will discover the truth when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.