Ghostface OG Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Ruin the Franchise with the Seventh Installment.

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a major family reunion. This new chapter marks the iconic return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a character you played in your mid-20s when you're in your fifties was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Return for Fallon Favorites

It has been established that three different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this new outing, even though dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Audiences should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and seemingly immortal cop Dewey Riley, the director and Scream 3 antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first occasion since a small appearance is a long-held wish, even if he is terrified about the public's reaction. The actor vividly recalls the exact moment he received the news from the series creator.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the small talk. I remember him asking. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he says. "So I'm incredibly honored to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the years since the 1996 movie premiered, which made Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"The reality is, that's a part that lives in infamy, like it or not," he explains. "A character that is now embodied in each and every Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the popular series.

"It's either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "At the start, I don't know if the movie's 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 idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of pressure to not mess up the franchise. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Excitement Run High

While many dedicated fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others return remains. Maybe they exist rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, like a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a strange communal scenario. The possibility of a meta-horror story, inspired by earlier horror movies, also exists.

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