Scream OG Star the Actor Fears He Could Ruin the Franchise with the Seventh Installment.

The long-awaited horror film Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.

"Returning 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 Favorites

Reports have confirmed that a trio of distinct characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Fans should get ready for the reappearance of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a small cameo is a long-held wish, though he is apprehensive about the audience response. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the pleasantries. I recall him posing the question. That instance is permanently etched on my mind," he says. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

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

"Truthfully, that's a role that is infamous, for better or worse," he notes. "A part that is now embodied in each and every Scream mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved franchise.

"It's either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I don't know if the movie's be successful. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the central mystery of how he and the others return persists. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a prior storyline. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a bizarre communal scenario. The chance of a self-referential narrative, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

Audiences will find out the truth when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.