Scream OG Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Spoil the Series with the Seventh Installment.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a major family reunion. This new chapter marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a character you played in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that kept me up at night," Lillard reveals.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that three distinct characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in previous installments. The exact mechanism of their resurrection remains a mystery. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the endearing and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the franchise for the first occasion since a brief appearance is a dream come true, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the precise instant he received the offer from the series creator.

"I remember the conversation. I remember the small talk. I remember him asking. That moment is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he states. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved iconic status in the years 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 character that is now represented in every single Scream mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fandom

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved franchise.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "At the start, I don't know if the movie's gonna work. I don't know if people are eager to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the truth 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 countless dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a bizarre communal situation. The chance of a self-referential narrative, inspired by earlier horror movies, also exists.

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