Ghostface OG Star the Actor Fears He Could Spoil the Franchise with the Seventh Installment.
The highly anticipated slasher sequel Scream 7 is scheduled to debut in theaters next year, and it is preparing for a major gathering of familiar faces. This new chapter marks the iconic comeback of Neve Campbell as survivor Sidney Prescott, after sitting out the previous film. She will, per tradition, be alongside Courtney Cox as journalist Gail Weathers, but they aren't the only fan-favorite characters returning to the fray.
"Coming back to a character you portrayed in your mid-20s when you're 55 was a daunting task that kept me up at night," Lillard admits.
A Triumphant Comeback for Fallen Favorites
Reports have confirmed that a trio of different characters from past films are set to return in this latest sequel, despite dying in previous installments. The precise method of their return is still unclear. Audiences should get ready for the reappearance of the beloved and nearly unkillable officer Dewey Riley, the director and third film killer Roman Bridger, and one half of the original murderous duo, Stu Macher.
The Weight of Legendary Legacy
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 vividly recalls the exact moment he received the offer from the original writer.
"I recall the phone call. I recall the pleasantries. I remember him posing the question. That instance 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 achieved iconic status in the decades since the 1996 movie was released, which left Lillard feeling quite nervous.
"The reality is, that's a role that is infamous, like it or not," he explains. "A part that is now represented in every single Ghostface mask that walks around every October 31st."
The Anxiety of Letting Down the Fandom
Now that production has concluded, Lillard is in the same position as everyone else to see the final product. He admits to feeling immense pressure about not wanting to be the one who damages the popular franchise.
"The outcome is either a hit and people are thrilled to have you, or it's a miss," Lillard observes. "At the start, I don't know 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 truth is that I feel a lot of pressure to not ruin the franchise. I don't want people exiting Scream 7 and saying, 'Well, that sucked, 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. Maybe they live as manifestations in Sidney's mind, similar to a previous plot device. Or, maybe they are in some way still living in a strange communal situation. The chance of a meta-horror story, reminiscent of classic horror movies, also exists.
Audiences will discover the truth when Scream 7 debuts in theaters.
