Scream Original Star the Actor Is Anxious He Could Ruin the Franchise with Scream 7.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a massive family reunion. This new chapter marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a role you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard reveals.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallon Favorites

Reports have confirmed that three different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though dying in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first time since a brief cameo is a long-held wish, even if he is apprehensive about the audience response. The performer vividly recalls the precise instant he got the news from the original writer.

"I recall the phone call. I remember the pleasantries. I remember him asking. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he says. "Therefore 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 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 character that is now represented in each and every Scream mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is waiting as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the popular franchise.

"It's either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "At the start, I have no idea if the movie's be successful. 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 trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Run High

While many dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others return remains. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, like a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are in some way all alive in a strange shared situation. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by earlier horror movies, also exists.

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