Scream Original Star the Actor Fears He Could Ruin the Franchise 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 latest installment 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 fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a character you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," Lillard reveals.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Characters

It has been established that a trio of different characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first occasion since a small appearance is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the audience response. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he got the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the pleasantries. I remember him asking. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "So I'm really proud to be back. I'm really excited 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 is infamous, for better or worse," he explains. "A part that is now represented in every single Scream mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular series.

"It's either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I have no idea if the film will be successful. I don't know if people are eager to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not mess up the franchise. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, 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 return remains. Perhaps they live rent-free in Sidney's mind, similar to a prior storyline. Or, perhaps they are in some way all alive in a strange shared scenario. The chance of a self-referential narrative, reminiscent of earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

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