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

The long-awaited horror film 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 iconic 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 beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a role you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a daunting task that kept me up at night," the actor admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallon Characters

Reports have confirmed that three different characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the return of the beloved and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a brief appearance is a long-held wish, even if he is apprehensive about the audience response. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he got the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the pleasantries. I recall him posing the question. That instance is indelibly imprinted 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 decades since the 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"Truthfully, that's a part that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he explains. "A part that is now represented in each and every Ghostface mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the final product. He admits to feeling immense pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved series.

"It's either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard observes. "At the start, I have no idea if the movie's gonna work. I am unsure 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 pressure to not mess up the franchise. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While countless dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Or, maybe they are in some way all alive in a strange communal situation. The chance of a self-referential story, reminiscent of earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

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