Scream Original Star the Actor Fears He Could Ruin the Series with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is gearing up for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter marks the legendary return of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters making a comeback.

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

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that three distinct characters from past films are set to return in this new outing, even though meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the return of the beloved and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a small appearance is a dream come true, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The performer clearly remembers the precise instant he received the offer from the original writer.

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

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the decades since the original film was released, which left Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

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

The Fear of Disappointing the Fans

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the final product. He admits to feeling significant anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular series.

"It's either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I have no idea if the film will be successful. I am unsure if people are eager 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 exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Excitement Abound

While countless longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Maybe they exist rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a bizarre shared situation. The chance of a meta-horror story, inspired by earlier horror movies, also exists.

Moviegoers will find out the truth when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.