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

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter marks the legendary return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a role you played in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," the actor reveals.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Favorites

Reports have confirmed that three different characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite dying 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 director and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first occasion since a small appearance is a dream come true, though he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he received the news from the series creator.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the pleasantries. I remember him posing the question. That moment is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he says. "So I'm really proud to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the decades since the original film was released, which left Lillard feeling very nervous.

"Truthfully, that's a role that is infamous, for better or worse," he notes. "A character that is now represented in every single Ghostface mask that appears 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 finished film. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved series.

"It's either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I don't know 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 reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not mess up the series. I don't want 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 eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, like a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a strange communal scenario. The chance of a meta-horror story, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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