Behind one of Hollywood’s most beloved cult favorites, Matthew Lillard, the actor in Scream, Scooby-Doo, and Five Nights at Freddy’s, has now delivered an honest confession about his current career resurgence. As nostalgia tightens its glittering grip over modern Hollywood, fuelling reboots and legacy returns, the actor has suggested the real reason behind his renewed momentum may not be admiration at all. Instead, in a candid remark now racing across the internet, Lillard believes audiences and studios may simply be chasing the ghosts of a bygone era.

Speaking during a recent appearance on the Phase Hero podcast, Lillard reflected on the strange surge of renewed popularity surrounding stars closely tied to the 1990s and early 2000s. While discussing his recent run of projects, the actor admitted he believes that is exactly why he is working again, adding that he does not think anyone actually likes him and that people simply miss the old times.

"I think that's why I'm working. I don't think anyone actually likes me. They just miss the old times," Lillard shared on Phase Hero.

He further noted that nostalgia, including the growing love for the live-action Scooby-Doo films, has become a surprising force now helping him land work again. For years, Lillard has remained a fan favourite thanks to his chaotic turn as Stu Macher in Scream, his instantly recognisable performance as Shaggy Rogers in the live-action Scooby-Doo films, and his continued voice work in the franchise. To many viewers, his return feels less like nostalgia alone and more like overdue appreciation.

While his return has already swept him into the hot seat of headlines, the American native has already jammed the year with yet more fierce chapters still unfolding.

Matthew Lillard’s major 2026 comeback

Taking his fandom straight back to the world of the American slasher giant Scream 7 on February 27, Matthew Lillard has already stormed into 2026 with one of the year’s loudest franchise shocks. The film follows a fresh Ghostface k***** emerging in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott has built a new life, only for her darkest fears to ignite when her daughter becomes the next target. And in the twist that sent longtime fans into chaos, Lillard returned as Stu Macher despite the character’s apparent death in the 1996 original, fuelling yet another wild chapter in the saga.

Yet the horror storm hardly ends there, as Lillard, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2, after its late-2025 release, is still riding its 2026 buzz with Lillard back as the sinister William Afton. While Daredevil: Born Again Season 2 arrived in March with Lillard entering the Marvel machine as Mr. Charles, the actor’s 2026 surge is still set to continue through Mike Flanagan’s Carrie, Tony Gilroy’s Behemoth!, and a new immersive Scooby-Doo project.

However, amid the nostalgia storm, his comeback is proving that whatever he may believe, Hollywood clearly still has room for Matthew Lillard.

What are your thoughts on Matthew Lillard saying nostalgia is the reason behind his resurgence? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Lisa Roy

Edited by

Itti Mahajan