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

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a massive family reunion. This latest installment signals the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. 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 played in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a daunting task that kept me up at night," the actor admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that three distinct characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should prepare for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half 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 brief cameo is a dream come true, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the small talk. I remember him asking. That moment is permanently etched on my mind," he states. "So I'm really proud to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the years since the original film premiered, which left Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a part that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he explains. "A part that is now embodied in every single Scream mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fans

Now that production has concluded, Lillard is waiting as everyone else to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling significant anxiety about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved series.

"The outcome is either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I have no idea if the movie's gonna work. I am unsure if people are eager 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 reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the series. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While countless dedicated fans are excited for Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others return persists. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, like a prior storyline. Or, perhaps they are in some way still living in a bizarre shared situation. The chance of a self-referential narrative, inspired by classic genre films, also exists.

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