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

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

"Coming back to a character you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," Lillard reveals.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallon Favorites

Reports have confirmed that three distinct characters from past films are set to return in this new outing, despite meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Fans should prepare 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 Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, reprising his role in the series for the first time since a small appearance is a dream come true, even if he is terrified about the audience response. The actor clearly remembers the precise instant he got the news from the series creator.

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

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the years since the 1996 movie was released, which left Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he notes. "A character that is now embodied in every single Ghostface mask that appears every October 31st."

The Fear of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling immense pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved franchise.

"It's either a success and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard observes. "At the start, 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 trope?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Excitement Abound

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others come back persists. Perhaps they exist as manifestations in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a previous plot device. Or, perhaps they are somehow still living in a bizarre communal situation. The chance of a self-referential story, reminiscent of earlier genre films, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will discover the truth when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.