Ghostface Original Star the Actor Fears He Could Spoil 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 major family reunion. This new chapter signals the iconic return of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

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

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallon Characters

It has been established that three distinct characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Audiences should get ready for the return of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a small appearance is a dream come true, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the precise instant he received the news from the series creator.

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

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

"Truthfully, that's a part that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he notes. "A character that is now embodied in each and every Scream mask that appears every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fandom

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 significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the popular series.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I have no idea if the film will gonna work. I don't know if people want to see me. I've definitely seen enough people come out 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 leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Excitement Abound

While countless dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others return persists. Perhaps they exist rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a previous plot device. Alternatively, maybe they are in some way all alive in a bizarre shared situation. The possibility of a meta-horror story, reminiscent of classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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