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

The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is set to arrive in theaters in the coming year, and it is gearing up for a major family reunion. This latest installment marks the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be alongside Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.

"Returning to a character you portrayed in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a challenge that gave me sleepless nights," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Return for Fallon Characters

It has been established that a trio of different characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, despite dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Fans should prepare for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film antagonist Roman Bridger, and one half of the first film's murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Pressure of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a small cameo is a dream come true, even if he is apprehensive about the audience response. The performer vividly recalls the precise instant he received the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the phone call. I recall the small talk. I remember him posing the question. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my mind," 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 decades since the original film was released, which made Lillard feeling very nervous.

"The reality is, that's a role that lives in infamy, like it or not," he explains. "A character that is now embodied in every single Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fans

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the final product. He admits to feeling immense pressure about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved series.

"It's either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," 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 enough people come out and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they returning to this idea?' So the truth is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not mess up the franchise. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Excitement Abound

While many longtime fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's reappearance, the big question of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a previous plot device. Alternatively, maybe they are somehow all alive in a bizarre communal scenario. The possibility of a self-referential story, inspired by classic genre films, also is on the table.

Moviegoers will find out the truth when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.