Scream OG Star the Actor Fears He Could Spoil the Franchise with the Seventh Installment.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a massive family reunion. This latest installment signals the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a role you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallon Characters

Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the endearing and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the director and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to 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 performer vividly recalls the precise instant he received the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the pleasantries. I recall him posing the question. That instance is permanently etched on my psyche," he says. "Therefore I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the years since the original film was released, which left Lillard feeling very nervous.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, for better or worse," he explains. "A part that is now embodied in each and every Scream mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

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

"The outcome is either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "At the start, I don't know if the film will be successful. 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 trope?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the franchise. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Excitement Run High

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Perhaps they live as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a bizarre shared scenario. The chance of a meta-horror narrative, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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