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

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a massive 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 journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a character you portrayed in your twenties when you're 55 was a daunting task that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that a trio of different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, despite dying in previous installments. The precise method 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 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's 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, though he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the pleasantries. I remember him posing the question. That moment is permanently etched on my psyche," he states. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the decades since the 1996 movie was released, which left Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he notes. "A part that is now represented in each and every Ghostface mask that appears every Halloween."

The Anxiety 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 immense anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular series.

"It's either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the film will be successful. I don't know if people want to see me. I've definitely seen enough 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 responsibility to not mess up the franchise. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Abound

While countless longtime fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others return persists. Perhaps they live rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a previous plot device. Or, perhaps they are somehow still living in a strange shared scenario. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by classic genre films, also is on the table.

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