Ghostface OG Star the Actor Fears He Could Spoil the Series with the Seventh Installment.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters next 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 joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a character you played in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Return for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that a trio of different characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Fans should prepare for the return of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a brief cameo is a dream come true, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he got the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the phone call. I remember the pleasantries. I recall him posing the question. That moment is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he states. "So I'm really proud to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the decades since the original film was released, which left Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a part that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he explains. "A part that is now represented in every single Scream mask that appears every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular series.

"It's either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "At the start, I don't know if the film will be successful. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've definitely seen enough people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not mess up the franchise. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Anticipation Abound

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others return remains. Maybe they live rent-free in Sidney's mind, like a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are in some way still living in a strange shared scenario. The possibility of a meta-horror narrative, inspired by classic genre films, also is on the table.

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