Matthew Lillard Humorously Reveals Why He Thinks Hollywood Is Hiring Him Again
The wonderful and much-loved actor Matthew Lillard has humorously revealed the reason he believes Hollywood has started hiring him again.
In the past, Lillard, 56, has famously appeared in the likes of 1996’s slasher horror “Scream” and as Norville “Shaggy” Rogers in various “Scooby-Doo” media. That includes two live-action movies in 2002 and 2004, respectively.
After a relatively quiet spell, he has enjoyed a recent resurgence regarding major Hollywood productions. He has appeared in 2023’s supernatural horror movie “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” 2024’s fantasy drama “The Life of Chuck,” 2025’s sequel “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2,” and 2026’s slasher sequel “Scream 7.” He will also appear in the upcoming drama movie “Behemoth!” He will appear in “Five Nights at Freddy’s 3” in 2027 (per IMDb).
On a recent episode of the “Phase Hero” podcast, he explained why he believes that’s the case.
Matthew Lillard Says ‘Nostalgia’ Is Responsible for His Hollywood Resurgence
A buoyant Matthew Lillard told “Phase Hero” host Brandon Davis that he believes nostalgia is the reason behind his recent Hollywood resurgence.
Lillard said, “‘Scooby-Doo’ one and two are more popular now than they ever were when they came out. So I do think there’s a weird nostalgia thing happening in our industry and in the zeitgeist because I think that people are longing for ye olde times.”
He continued, “I think that’s one of the reasons I’m having this moment to be honest, is because I was identified in that moment, so people are hiring me again.”
While laughing, Lillard then added, “I think that’s why I’m working. I don’t think anyone really likes me. They just miss the old times.”
While Lillard’s assertation that nobody likes him is incorrect and obviously in jest, the actor was, of course, recently the target of criticism from acclaimed Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino, 63, had cruelly said, “I don’t care for Matthew Lillard.”
The harsh comments triggered an outpouring of love for Lillard, with the likes of George Clooney, Ryan Reynolds, and the actor’s own child, Ace Lillard, offering their support in various ways.
Lillard Is Also Prominent on Television These Days
In addition to his recent Hollywood roles, Matthew Lillard is also featuring prominently on television lately.
2025 saw him voicing Ghostface in episodes of ghost series “Scariest House in America” and voicing Norville “Shaggy” Rogers “Robot Chicken: Self Discovery Special.”
In 2026, he has appeared in eight episodes of the Amazon Prime Video crime thriller series “Cross” and three episodes of the Netflix superhero series “Daredevil: Born Again.”
Later this year, he will appear in eight episodes of the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s supernatural horror novel “Carrie,” which will release on Amazon Prime Video.
We’re extremely happy for Matthew Lillard. He’s such a lovely guy and a hugely underrated and talented actor. Both of those things have undoubtedly contributed to his recent resurgence just as much as nostalgia has.
We wish him continued success in his thriving career.