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

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This latest installment marks the iconic 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 beloved characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a character you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're in your fifties was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Return for Fallen Favorites

Reports have confirmed that a trio of distinct characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the return of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first time since a brief cameo is a dream come true, though he is terrified about the audience response. The actor vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the small talk. I recall him posing the question. That moment is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he says. "So I'm really proud to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the years since the 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling very nervous.

"Truthfully, that's a part that is infamous, for better or worse," he explains. "A character that is now embodied in each and every Ghostface mask that appears every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fans

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

"It's either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I don't know if the movie's gonna work. 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 going back to this trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Excitement Run High

While countless dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Perhaps they live rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a bizarre communal situation. The chance of a self-referential story, reminiscent of earlier genre films, also is on the table.

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