Matthew Lillard Shares His Fear of ‘Screwing Up’ the Legacy of ‘Scream’ at 90s Con
Matthew Lillard, the actor known for his role in the popular ‘Scream’ franchise, has recently expressed his apprehension about returning to the iconic horror series. During a panel at the 90s Con event, where original cast members David Arquette, Jamie Kennedy, Dermot Mulroney, and Skeet Ulrich gathered, Lillard admitted feeling “slightly terrified” of potentially “screwing up a legacy” with the upcoming ‘Scream 7’ instalment.
Lillard, reflecting on his return to the franchise, admitted, “I am very excited and slightly terrified to be back because all I can do is really screw up a legacy that we have.” He candidly shared his fear of underperforming, stating, “My fear is that I come back and sort of punish something that I could never have touched and been just fine. I hope I don’t mess it up for everyone.”
The ‘Scream’ franchise, which began with the original movie in 1996, has since become a cult favourite in the horror genre. With a total of five sequels and the upcoming ‘Scream 7’ in production, the series has captivated audiences with its chilling storyline and iconic characters. Noteworthy stars like Drew Barrymore, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Emma Roberts have all faced off against the infamous Ghostface killer, contributing to the franchise’s enduring legacy.
Scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, ‘Scream 7’ is highly anticipated among fans. Directed by Kevin Williamson, the mastermind behind the original film’s script, the movie promises the return of fan-favourite characters played by Courteney Cox, Scott Foley, and Neve Campbell, who portrayed Sidney in the earlier films. Campbell’s absence from ‘Scream 6’ was due to a pay dispute, but she is set to reprise her role in the upcoming instalment.
Neve Campbell, reflecting on her return to the franchise, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to step back into Sidney’s shoes. She shared, “Those movies have been such a big part of my life, and it means so much to me. I was sad to miss the last one, to not be a part of it, so I’m grateful to be able to tell her story again.”
The 90s Con event provided a platform for fans and industry insiders to engage with the cast members and gain insights into the upcoming ‘Scream 7’ film. As the actors shared their experiences and thoughts on the legacy of the franchise, attendees were treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes anecdotes and previews of what to expect from the latest instalment.
In conclusion, the enduring appeal of the ‘Scream’ franchise continues to captivate audiences, with the upcoming ‘Scream 7’ promising to deliver the same suspense and thrills that have defined the series. As the original cast members reunite and new stars join the ensemble, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the iconic horror saga.