Matthew Lillard Discusses ‘Scream’ Legacy and Career Resurgence
Matthew Lillard is experiencing a career revival.
The actor, known for his roles in ‘Scream’, ‘Scooby Doo’, ‘She’s All That’, and ‘Thirteen Ghosts’, acknowledges a recent career upswing. He attributes this to his role as William Afton in 2023’s ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s’, a box office success despite simultaneous streaming release.
Following this success, Lillard has secured roles in the ‘Five Nights’ sequel, ‘Daredevil’ Season 2 on Disney+, ‘Cross’ Season 2 on Prime Video, a Tony Gilroy film, and two Mike Flanagan projects: ‘The Life of Chuck’ and ‘Carrie’.
He will also return in ‘Scream 7’, despite his character Stu Macher’s apparent demise in the original film.
“It’s crazy,” Lillard commented to TooFab’s Brian Particelli about his career resurgence. “The success of ‘Five Nights’ has profoundly revitalized my career.”
“I’m excited and grateful for these new opportunities,” he added.
At 55, Lillard reflects on his career path.
“For much of my career, it was about ‘what’s next?’ Now, I appreciate how far I’ve come,” he told TooFab. “I’m grateful to be working and receiving more opportunities than ever.”
‘Scream’ established Lillard as a household name in 1996. His memorable performance as a Ghostface killer left a lasting impact. With a seventh film releasing next year, the franchise’s fan base and the bond among the original cast remain strong.
Recently, at a fan convention, Lillard and fellow cast members started a ‘Scream’ group chat. “We see each other often, deepening our friendship,” Lillard shared.
Lillard noted that his connection to the franchise differs from fans’.
“For me, ‘Scream’ was a pivotal job that shaped who I am. While fans have their own unique relationship with it,” he explained.
Lillard’s connection to ‘Scream’ and ‘Scooby Doo’ becomes evident during Halloween, a holiday he finds peculiar due to its association with the franchises.
“Seeing so many kids dressed as Ghostface is surreal,” he remarked.
Lillard’s children, Addison, Ace, and Liam, don’t focus much on his career. “It’s not the center of attention at home,” he quipped.
His middle child, Ace, is pursuing acting, recently performing in ‘Carrie’. “Sharing this journey is wonderful,” Lillard added.
Discussing ‘Carrie’, Lillard praised Mike Flanagan’s direction. “It was one of the greatest experiences of my career,” he said, eager for future opportunities.
Regarding ‘Scream 7’, Lillard remains tight-lipped about fan theories, stating he hasn’t followed any.
Watch Lillard in ‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ in theaters on December 5. ‘Scream 7’ releases on February 27, 2026.
