Scream Original Star Matthew Lillard Fears He Could Ruin the Franchise with the Seventh Installment.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a massive gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter marks the legendary comeback of Neve Campbell as final girl Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, per tradition, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only beloved characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a role you played in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a challenge that kept me up at night," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallon Favorites

It has been established that three different characters from earlier films are set to return in this new outing, despite dying in prior movies. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Audiences should get ready for the return of the beloved and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the director and third film killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Iconic Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first time since a small appearance is a long-held wish, even if he is apprehensive about the public's reaction. The performer clearly remembers the precise instant he received the news from the series creator.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the pleasantries. I recall him asking. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he says. "Therefore I'm really proud 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 made Lillard feeling very nervous.

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

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is in the same position like the rest of us to see the final product. He confesses to feeling immense anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the beloved franchise.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "Going into it, I have no idea if the film will gonna work. I don't know if people are eager to see me. I've definitely seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the reality 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 reason.'"

Speculation and Excitement Run High

While many longtime fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others return remains. Maybe they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, like a prior storyline. Or, perhaps they are in some way all alive in a bizarre communal scenario. The possibility of a meta-horror narrative, inspired by earlier horror movies, also is on the table.

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