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

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This latest installment marks the iconic return of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters making a comeback.

"Coming back to a role you played in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a challenge that kept me up at night," the actor reveals.

A Triumphant Return for Fallen Favorites

It has been established that a trio of distinct characters from earlier films are set to return in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in prior movies. The precise method of their resurrection remains a mystery. Audiences should prepare for the return of the beloved and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first time since a brief appearance is a long-held wish, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The actor clearly remembers the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

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

Stu Macher has attained cult status in the years since the original film premiered, which made Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a part that is infamous, like it or not," he explains. "A part that is now represented in each and every Ghostface mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He confesses to feeling significant anxiety about not wanting to be the one who damages the beloved series.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I have no idea if the movie's gonna work. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've definitely seen enough people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this trope?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not mess up the franchise. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and thinking, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Run High

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Perhaps they exist rent-free in Sidney's mind, similar to a prior storyline. Alternatively, perhaps they are somehow all alive in a bizarre shared situation. The possibility of a meta-horror narrative, inspired by classic genre films, also is on the table.

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