Matthew Lillard’s Career Comeback: ‘Scream 7’, Tarantino & New Roles
Matthew Lillard is experiencing a remarkable career resurgence. From a near-career reset after the initial “Scooby-Doo” boom to navigating a surprising public defense following Quentin Tarantino’s blunt assessment of his acting, the veteran performer is now juggling a slate of high-profile projects, including a return to the franchise that launched him into horror icon status: “Scream.”
Lillard’s return as Stu Macher in ’s “Scream 7” is particularly noteworthy, given the character’s seemingly definitive demise in the original 1996 film. “I’m not going to lie, I was over the moon,” Lillard told the Los Angeles Times. He admitted that, prior to receiving the offer, he’d been actively campaigning for a return, even as franchise creator Kevin Williamson publicly questioned the need for his involvement. “I was like, ‘We’re trending in the right direction here. Why is Kevin Williamson kicking me in the teeth?’” Lillard recalled with a wry chuckle. He confirmed that the film builds on hints from the fifth and sixth installments suggesting Stu’s survival.
The actor’s recent momentum extends far beyond Woodsboro. He’s currently starring in “Cross,” the Amazon Prime series starring Aldis Hodge, and has landed a role in the upcoming “Daredevil: Born Again” revival on Netflix. He’s also joining Mike Flanagan’s eight-episode adaptation of Stephen King’s “Carrie” for Amazon MGM Studios, and preparing for a third installment of “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”
However, the past few months have been marked by an unexpected detour: a public debate sparked by Quentin Tarantino’s criticism of Lillard and Paul Dano’s performances. Speaking on “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast,” Tarantino voiced his disapproval, a comment that quickly went viral. Lillard described the experience as “a weird moment” and “a bummer,” but also acknowledged the outpouring of support he received from the industry and fans. “I’ve never felt so seen,” he said. “It felt like I was living through my own wake. You don’t normally see that outpouring of love until after somebody passes.” He added, with characteristic pragmatism, “We see not about the box office wins that week. It’s about a body of work, a community of friends, and longevity that really defines.”
Lillard’s longevity in the industry is undeniable, largely fueled by his enduring association with the character of Shaggy Rogers from the “Scooby-Doo” franchise. He recounted the early days of voicing the character, describing a rigorous audition process that involved screaming until his voice was raw. “I would have to scream myself hoarse,” he explained. “I’ll never forget coming down and being in the car… screaming to prepare my voice for the audition, and having Chuck Roven, the producer, walk by and knock on the window and be like, ‘Dude, are you OK?’” The success of the first live-action “Scooby-Doo” film propelled him to a new level of visibility, even leading to pitches for projects like a “Plastic Man” movie. However, the lukewarm reception to “Scooby-Doo 2” prompted a career reset.
Looking back, Lillard credits “Scooby-Doo” with providing a foundation for his current success. “Without that, I wouldn’t be in this career,” he stated. “I don’t know if I would have been around long enough to get this comeback that I’m in the middle of and enjoying.”
Beyond acting, Lillard has also ventured into entrepreneurship with his spirits company, building on the success of his Beadle &. Grimm’s tabletop gaming enterprise. He recently launched Ghost Face Vodka, timed to coincide with the release of “Scream 7,” capitalizing on the franchise’s devoted fanbase. The vodka includes a QR code on the bottle that unlocks an interactive “Mafia” game for groups to play together, emphasizing community engagement.
His role in “Cross,” he explained, is particularly compelling. The Amazon Prime series, starring Aldis Hodge, tackles complex social issues with unflinching honesty. “It feels like it’s being ripped from the headlines,” Lillard said, praising the show’s commitment to representing the Black experience authentically. He plays Lance Durand, a billionaire with questionable motives who claims to be working to solve world hunger. “Another dubious character,” he quipped.
Lillard also shared insights into his experience working with director Mike Flanagan on “Carrie,” highlighting Flanagan’s ability to infuse the classic story with contemporary relevance. “He’s giving it a new lens to look at what bullying looks like for kids today,” Lillard explained. He plays the school principal, witnessing the tragic events unfold.
Finally, Lillard spoke about his connection with the creative team behind “Daredevil: Born Again,” revealing that he landed the role of Mr. Charles, a CIA operative, through his regular Dungeons & Dragons game with several of the showrunners. “He’s a guy that controls power from afar,” Lillard described his character. “He and I get into this really delicious struggle over power.”
Throughout the conversation, Lillard’s passion for his craft and his commitment to community were evident. He concluded with a pointed remark, reflecting the current political climate: “I have to say it — politically speaking, we’re in a s— storm. I went viral a month ago about saying, ‘F— ICE.’ But… f— ICE.”