Ghostface OG Star the Actor Fears He Could Spoil the Franchise with the Seventh Installment.

The long-awaited slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters in the coming year, and it is preparing for a massive family reunion. This latest installment signals the iconic return of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, following her absence from the previous film. She will, as usual, be joined by Courtney Cox as reporter Gail Weathers, but they won't be the only fan-favorite characters making a comeback.

"Returning to a character you portrayed in your twenties when you're in your fifties was a daunting task that kept me up at night," Lillard admits.

A Triumphant Comeback for Fallon Characters

Reports have confirmed that a trio of distinct characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite meeting their demise in previous installments. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Audiences should prepare for the reappearance of the endearing and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the filmmaker and Scream 3 killer Roman Bridger, and a member of the first film's killer pair, Stu Macher.

The Weight of Legendary Legacy

For Matthew Lillard, returning to the series for the first occasion since a brief appearance is a dream come true, though he is terrified about the public's reaction. The performer vividly recalls the exact moment he got the offer from the series creator.

"I recall the conversation. I remember the pleasantries. I remember him asking. That instance is indelibly imprinted on my mind," he says. "Therefore 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 left Lillard feeling quite trepidatious.

"Truthfully, that's a role that is infamous, for better or worse," he explains. "A part that is now embodied in each and every Scream mask that walks around every Halloween."

The Fear of Letting Down the Fans

Now that filming has wrapped, Lillard is waiting like the rest of us to see the finished film. He admits to feeling immense anxiety about hoping not to be the one who damages the popular series.

"The outcome is either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "Going into it, I have no idea if the movie's be successful. I don't know if people are eager to see me. I've definitely seen enough people state and say, 'Stu is dead. Why are they going back to this idea?' So the reality is that I feel a lot of responsibility to not ruin the series. I don't want people leaving Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that was terrible, and Matthew Lillard was the reason.'"

Speculation and Anticipation Run High

While many longtime fans are excited for Stu's return, the big question of how he and the others come back persists. Perhaps they exist as manifestations in Sidney's mind, like a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are somehow still living in a bizarre communal scenario. The possibility of a self-referential story, inspired by classic horror movies, also is on the table.

Audiences will find out the answer when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.