Matthew Lillard: The Horror Icon’s Triumphant Return to Scream and Five Nights at Freddy’s

A Horror Legend Returns

Matthew Lillard, the beloved actor who helped define 1990s horror cinema, is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in the genre that made him famous. The 55-year-old actor recently attended the Los Angeles premiere of Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 on December 2, 2025, reuniting with his Scream co-star Skeet Ulrich at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. This reunion marks nearly three decades since the pair terrorised audiences in the iconic 1996 slasher film that launched their careers.

Expanding Horror Universe with Five Nights at Freddy’s

The second instalment in the Five Nights at Freddy’s franchise opens in theatres on December 5, 2025, with Lillard reprising his role as William Afton alongside Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, and Piper Rubio. The first film’s impressive box office performance, earning $297.1 million worldwide, paved the way for this sequel. Lillard revealed that the plan has always been to make three films, though everything depends on how the second movie performs in theatres.

The Scream Franchise Comeback

In a surprising twist that delighted horror fans, Lillard was announced in January 2025 to be returning to the Scream franchise for its seventh entry, having previously played Stuart ‘Stu’ Macher in the first film. Following the departure of Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, Spyglass Media has fashioned Scream 7 into a throwback title, with returning original stars Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox. Paramount has set a February 26, 2026 release date for the highly anticipated film.

A Busy Future in Television and Film

Beyond his horror commitments, Lillard’s career continues to flourish. The actor has landed roles in the second seasons of two hit series — Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again and Amazon MGM’s Cross. He’s also reuniting with director Mike Flanagan on The Life of Chuck, a Stephen King adaptation that won the People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Toronto Film Festival and is scheduled for release on June 6.

Why This Matters for Fans

Matthew Lillard’s return to prominence represents more than nostalgia; it demonstrates the enduring appeal of authentic performances in horror cinema. His commitment to honouring fans whilst delivering compelling performances has solidified his status as a true ‘Scream King’. As both Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and Scream 7 approach their release dates, audiences can anticipate seeing one of horror’s most charismatic actors reclaim his throne in the genre he helped define.