Scream OG Star the Actor 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 gearing up for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter signals the legendary return of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a character you played in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Characters

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, despite dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a small appearance is a long-held wish, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he got the news from the original writer.

"I recall the phone call. I remember the pleasantries. I recall him posing the question. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

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

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he explains. "A part that is now embodied in every single Scream mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is waiting as everyone else to see the finished film. He admits to feeling immense pressure about hoping not to be the one who ruins the popular franchise.

"The outcome is either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the film will gonna work. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not mess up the franchise. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Run High

While countless longtime fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others return remains. Maybe they exist rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Or, maybe they are somehow all alive in a strange communal scenario. The chance of a self-referential narrative, reminiscent of earlier genre films, also exists.

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