Ghostface OG Star the Actor Fears He Could Ruin the Franchise with the Seventh Installment.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a major family reunion. This new chapter signals the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

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

An Unexpected Return for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that a trio of distinct characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, despite meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the return of the endearing and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first time since a small appearance is a dream come true, even if he is terrified about the audience response. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the series creator.

"I remember the conversation. I recall the small talk. I recall him posing the question. That moment is permanently etched on my mind," he states. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the years since the 1996 movie was released, which left Lillard feeling very nervous.

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

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the finished film. He admits to feeling immense pressure about hoping not to be the one who ruins the popular franchise.

"It's either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard observes. "At the start, I don't know if the movie's gonna work. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've certainly seen enough 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 ruin the series. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Speculation and Excitement Abound

While countless longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a previous plot device. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow still living in a bizarre shared situation. The possibility of a meta-horror narrative, reminiscent of classic horror movies, also exists.

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