Scream OG Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Ruin the Franchise with Scream 7.

The long-awaited horror film Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters next year, and it is gearing up for a major gathering of familiar faces. This latest installment signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.

"Coming back to a role you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallon Favorites

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, despite meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Fans should get ready for the return of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the original killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a small cameo is a long-held wish, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer clearly remembers the precise instant he received the news from the series creator.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the small talk. I remember him asking. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

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

"Truthfully, that's a part that is infamous, like it or not," he notes. "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 final product. He admits to feeling significant anxiety about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved franchise.

"It's either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I have no idea if the movie's be successful. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of 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 pressure to not ruin the franchise. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Excitement Abound

While countless longtime fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others return persists. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, like a previous plot device. Alternatively, maybe they are in some way still living in a strange shared situation. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by classic genre films, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will discover the answer when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.