Ghostface Original Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Spoil the Franchise with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a massive family reunion. This new chapter signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the previous film. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a character you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," the actor reveals.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallon Characters

It has been established that three distinct characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite dying in previous installments. The exact mechanism of their resurrection is still unclear. Fans should get ready for the return of the beloved and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the director and third film killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a small cameo is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the audience response. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he received the offer from the series creator.

"I remember the conversation. I recall the pleasantries. I recall him posing the question. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he states. "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 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, for better or worse," he notes. "A part that is now represented in every single Scream mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fans

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the final product. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular franchise.

"The outcome is 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 gonna work. I don't know if people want to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Anticipation Abound

While countless dedicated fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others return remains. Perhaps they live as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a prior storyline. Alternatively, perhaps they are somehow still living in a bizarre communal scenario. The chance of a meta-horror story, inspired by earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

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