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

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a major family reunion. This latest installment marks the iconic return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a role you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Return for Fallen Characters

Reports have confirmed that three different characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first occasion since a small cameo is a long-held wish, though he is apprehensive about the audience response. The actor clearly remembers the precise instant he received the news from the series creator.

"I remember the conversation. I recall the pleasantries. I remember him posing the question. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he says. "Therefore I'm really proud to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved iconic status in the decades since the original film premiered, which left Lillard feeling very nervous.

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

The Fear of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling immense pressure about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved series.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I don't know if the film will be successful. I am unsure if people are eager to see me. I've definitely seen enough people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the series. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Abound

While countless longtime fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they live as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a previous plot device. Or, perhaps they are somehow still living in a bizarre shared scenario. The chance of a self-referential narrative, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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