Matthew Lillard jokes audiences miss the past more than him

Actor discusses career revival after ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’ and roles in ‘Scream 7’ and ‘Carrie’ series projects

Matthew Lillard has suggested that nostalgia within the entertainment industry is playing a significant role in his recent return to higher profile film and television work, reflecting on how audience memory of earlier projects continues to influence casting choices in Hollywood.

He made the comments during an appearance on the Phase Hero podcast, where he discussed the long arc of his career since his breakout years, including his roles in Scooby-Doo and Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed. He noted that while the films were not always critically praised at the time of release, they have developed lasting cultural recognition, particularly among audiences who grew up watching them.

Lillard explained that following the second Scooby-Doo film, which underperformed at the box office, his career path became less predictable. He described a period in which leading roles were less consistent and he had to reassess his priorities as an actor. Rather than focusing on mainstream stardom, he shifted towards sustained work across different genres and formats.

In more recent years, Lillard has re-emerged in major studio productions. A key moment in this resurgence came with his casting in Five Nights at Freddy’s, where he played William Afton. The adaptation introduced him to a younger audience and became a strong commercial success, strengthening his position within contemporary genre filmmaking.

Since then, Lillard has continued to secure prominent roles across film and television. He is set to appear in Scream 7, continuing his long association with the horror franchise. He is also involved in Daredevil: Born Again, expanding his presence within the Marvel television universe. In addition, he is attached to Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Carrie, which further aligns him with established horror properties. He is also linked to the upcoming film Behemoth, directed by Tony Gilroy.

Speaking more broadly about his career, Lillard suggested that nostalgia has become a powerful force in modern casting decisions, with studios increasingly drawing on actors connected to earlier popular franchises. He indicated that this trend reflects a wider industry interest in recognisable figures who carry long standing audience associations.

He also acknowledged the unpredictable nature of acting careers, noting that periods of high visibility can alternate with quieter phases.