Matthew Lillard shares insights into his evolution as a talented thespian.
Matthew Lillard shares insights into his evolution as a talented thespian.
Matthew Lillard, a veteran actor, has been a staple in the entertainment industry for numerous years. Depending on your generation, you might recognize him from films like Hackers, Scream, or the live-action and animated versions of Scooby-Doo. He's known for his consistent work ethic, and according to him, that's a result of his dedication to becoming a dependable actor.
Business Insider recently featured an article highlighting Lillard's career journey. He discussed his shift in perspective after his '90s success, feeling caught up in the desire for fame. The underperformance of Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed left him questioning his future in acting, and subsequently, an offer to participate in Dancing With the Stars made him realize his true passion was acting. He then chose to revamp his life by exploring non-acting ventures (like his liquor business) and teaching acting while taking on roles that suited his acting abilities. During this period, he primarily appeared in supporting roles in shows like Good Girls, Twin Peaks, and Halt and Catch Fire.
However, it was his role in the 2020 Blumhouse production, Five Nights at Freddy’s, that rekindled interest in him, particularly among younger audiences. Initially unsure of his role as William Afton, due to the limited script, he called it a "leap of faith." Only after director Emma Tammi revealed Afton's central role in the planned trilogy, did he fully grasp the scope of the character. He and lead actor Josh Hutcherson will reprise their roles in the sequel set for a December 2025 release.
Looking ahead, Lillard will also feature in the 2023 film Life of Chuckdirected by Mike Flanagan. The topic of a Scream return came up in conversation with Business Insider. Lillard expressed interest, despite his reservations about the use of a shotgun by Ghostface in Scream 6. If writer Kevin Williamson were to direct Scream 7, Lillard hopes for a fresh, daring, and exciting direction, allowing for new experiences and joys.
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Matthew Lillard, intrigued by the evolving landscape of technology, has expressed interest in incorporating virtual reality technology into future movie productions, potentially revolutionizing the viewing experience for audiences. As akin to his love for movies, he keeps a close eye on Io9's coverage of upcoming projects in the realm of Marvel, Star Wars, Star Trek, and the DC Universe, eagerly anticipating their future releases.