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

The highly anticipated horror film Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a massive family reunion. This latest installment marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a role you played in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor admits.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallon Characters

Reports have confirmed that three distinct characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in previous installments. The exact mechanism of their return is still unclear. Audiences should get ready 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 killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a small appearance is a long-held wish, even if he is apprehensive 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 recall the small talk. I remember him asking. That moment is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he says. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the decades since the 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

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

The Fear of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that production has wrapped, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the final product. He admits to feeling significant anxiety about not wanting to be the one who damages the popular franchise.

"It's either a hit 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 come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Abound

While many 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 previous plot device. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow still living in a bizarre communal situation. The chance of a self-referential story, inspired by earlier horror movies, also exists.

Audiences will discover the truth when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.