Actor’s Career Revival with Five Nights at Freddy’s and Scream 7 Roles

Matthew Lillard, the actor best known for his roles in Scream (1996) and the Scooby-Doo franchise, has credited nostalgia for his recent career resurgence, telling The Hollywood Reporter that “people are hiring me again” because of renewed audience interest in the projects that defined his early career.

Nostalgia as a Career Catalyst

In an interview published on April 28, 2026, Lillard reflected on the unexpected revival of his career, which has seen him take on high-profile roles in major franchises over the past two years. His portrayal of William Afton in the 2023 horror film Five Nights at Freddy’s and its 2025 sequel reignited industry attention, while his upcoming role in Scream 7, set for release in February 2026, has further solidified his return to mainstream prominence. The actor suggested that studios are increasingly tapping into nostalgia as a driving force for casting decisions, particularly in genres like horror and comedy where his earlier work left a lasting impact.

“It’s wild to me that the things I did 20 or 30 years ago are the reason I’m getting these calls now,” Lillard said. “People want that energy, that connection to something they loved when they were younger. I’m just happy to be along for the ride.” His comments align with a broader trend in Hollywood, where legacy sequels, reboots and franchise extensions have dominated recent box office performance, often relying on the emotional pull of familiar characters, and storylines.

A Career Defined by Iconic Roles

Lillard’s breakout role as Stu Macher in Wes Craven’s Scream (1996) established him as a fixture in the horror genre, earning him the informal title of “scream king” alongside contemporaries like Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox. Following the film’s success, he expanded his repertoire with roles in SLC Punk! (1998), She’s All That (1999), and Thirteen Ghosts (2001), though none reached the same cultural ubiquity as his early work. His casting as Norville “Shaggy” Rogers in the live-action Scooby-Doo films (2002, 2004) and subsequent voice work for the character after Casey Kasem’s retirement in 2009 cemented his status as a generational talent for younger audiences.

The 2010s marked a shift in Lillard’s career as he transitioned into more dramatic roles, appearing in films such as The Descendants (2011), Trouble with the Curve (2012), and Twin Peaks: The Return (2017). While these projects showcased his range, they did not achieve the same commercial or cultural resonance as his earlier genre work. His return to horror with Five Nights at Freddy’s in 2023, however, proved to be a turning point, with the film grossing over $290 million worldwide and spawning a sequel in 2025. The franchise’s success, coupled with his involvement in Scream 7, has positioned Lillard as a key player in the current wave of nostalgia-driven entertainment.

Industry Recognition and Future Projects

Lillard’s career revival has not gone unnoticed by industry observers. The Hollywood Reporter highlighted his resurgence in a 2023 profile, noting that his role in Five Nights at Freddy’s had “reintroduced him to a new generation of fans while reminding older audiences why they loved him in the first place.” His performance as William Afton, the franchise’s central antagonist, was particularly praised for its blend of menace and dark humor, a departure from the more comedic roles he had become associated with.

Beyond Scream 7, Lillard’s 2026 schedule includes a supporting role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series Daredevil: Born Again, where he will appear alongside Charlie Cox and Vincent D’Onofrio. He also starred in the 2025 fantasy drama The Life of Chuck, further demonstrating his ability to navigate between blockbuster franchises and smaller, character-driven projects. When asked about the balance between commercial and artistic work, Lillard emphasized his gratitude for the opportunities, stating, “I don’t take any of it for granted. Whether it’s a big studio movie or an indie film, I just want to tell good stories.”

The Nostalgia Factor in Hollywood

Lillard’s comments about nostalgia reflect a larger industry shift, where studios increasingly rely on established intellectual property to mitigate financial risk. The success of films like Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), Jurassic World (2015), and Top Gun: Maverick (2022) has demonstrated the commercial viability of revisiting beloved franchises, often with original cast members in tow. For actors like Lillard, whose careers span multiple decades, this trend presents both opportunities and challenges. While it offers a chance to reconnect with audiences, it also risks pigeonholing performers into roles that defined their earlier careers.

In his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Lillard addressed this dynamic with characteristic humor, joking that “audiences seem to miss the past more than they miss me.” He added, “But if that’s what gets me in the room, I’ll take it. At the end of the day, I’m just happy to be working.” His pragmatic approach underscores the realities of an industry where nostalgia is not just a cultural force but a strategic tool for studios and creators alike.

What’s Next for Lillard

With Scream 7 set to premiere in early 2026 and Daredevil: Born Again expected to debut later in the year, Lillard’s schedule remains packed. Industry insiders suggest that his recent success could lead to additional franchise opportunities, particularly in the horror and comedy genres where his early work left a lasting impression. While he has not confirmed any specific projects beyond those already announced, his renewed visibility has sparked speculation about potential returns to other iconic roles from his filmography.

For now, Lillard appears focused on embracing the moment. “I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and I’ve had ups and downs like anyone else,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “But to be here now, with people excited about what I’m doing again? That’s a gift. I’m not taking it for granted.”