Scream OG Star the Actor Is Anxious He Could Ruin the Franchise 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 major family reunion. This new chapter signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite 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," Lillard admits.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallen Characters

Reports have confirmed that three different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this new outing, even though dying in previous installments. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first time since a brief appearance is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the public's reaction. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the pleasantries. I recall him asking. That moment is permanently etched on my mind," he states. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the years since the original film was released, 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 Halloween."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the finished film. He admits to feeling significant pressure about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved series.

"It's either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I don't know if the movie's be successful. I don't know if people want to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people come out 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 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 many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they exist rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Or, perhaps they are in some way still living in a bizarre shared scenario. The chance of a meta-horror narrative, reminiscent of classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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