Scream OG Star the Actor Is Anxious He Could Spoil the Franchise with Scream 7.

The highly anticipated horror film 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 iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the last entry. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a role 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

It has been established that three distinct characters from past films are slated to reappear in this latest sequel, even though meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return remains a mystery. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and seemingly immortal officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and third film killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Status

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the franchise for the first occasion since a small appearance is a dream come true, though he is terrified about the audience response. The actor clearly remembers the exact moment he received the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the phone call. I remember the pleasantries. I remember him posing the question. That moment is indelibly imprinted on my psyche," he states. "So I'm really proud to be back. I'm really excited to be back."

Stu Macher has attained iconic status in the years since the original film premiered, which left Lillard feeling quite nervous.

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

The Anxiety of Disappointing the Fandom

Now that filming has concluded, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the finished film. He admits to feeling immense anxiety about not wanting to be the one who ruins the beloved franchise.

"It's either a success and people are excited to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard points out. "At the start, I don't know if the movie's gonna work. I am unsure if people want to see me. I've certainly seen enough people state 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 series. I hope people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, and Matthew Lillard was the cause.'"

Theories and Anticipation Abound

While many dedicated fans are eagerly awaiting Stu's return, the central mystery of how he and the others come back remains. Perhaps they live rent-free in Sidney's consciousness, similar to a previous plot device. Alternatively, perhaps they are in some way all alive in a strange communal situation. The chance of a self-referential story, reminiscent of classic genre films, also is on the table.

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