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

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This latest installment signals the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the last entry. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.

"Coming back to a role you portrayed in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," the actor reveals.

An Unexpected Comeback for Fallen Characters

It has been established that a trio of distinct characters from earlier films are slated to reappear in this new outing, despite dying in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection is still unclear. Fans should get ready for the reappearance of the endearing and nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Legacy

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 apprehensive about the audience response. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he got the offer from the series creator.

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

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the decades since the 1996 movie was released, which left Lillard feeling quite nervous.

"Truthfully, that's a role that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he notes. "A character that is now represented in each and every Scream mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is waiting as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about hoping not to be the one who ruins the popular series.

"The outcome is either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I don't know if the movie's gonna work. I am unsure if people want 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 truth is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the series. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Excitement Abound

While many dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they live rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, like a prior storyline. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a strange shared scenario. The chance of a self-referential story, reminiscent of classic horror movies, also is on the table.

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