Ghostface Original Star Matthew Lillard Is Anxious He Could Ruin the Series with the Seventh Installment.

The highly anticipated horror film Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a massive family reunion. This new chapter marks the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out 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.

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

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallen Characters

Reports have confirmed that three distinct characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, 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 nearly unkillable cop Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight 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, though he is terrified about the audience response. The performer clearly remembers the exact moment he got the offer from the original writer.

"I recall the conversation. 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 thrilled to be back."

Stu Macher has achieved cult status in the decades since the original film was released, which made Lillard feeling very trepidatious.

"The reality is, that's a part that lives in infamy, for better or worse," he explains. "A character that is now represented in every single Ghostface mask that appears every Halloween."

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the finished film. He confesses to feeling significant pressure about hoping not to be the one who ruins the beloved franchise.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are excited to have you, or it's a fail," Lillard points out. "At the start, I have no idea if the movie's be successful. I am unsure if people are eager to see me. I've certainly seen plenty of people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I hope people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Excitement Abound

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Maybe they live as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a bizarre shared situation. The chance of a self-referential story, reminiscent of classic horror movies, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will find out the answer when Scream 7 arrives in theaters.