Nearly 30 years after terrifying audiences as Ghostface killers Stu Macher and Billy Loomis in the original 1996 Scream film, horror legends Matthew Lillard and Skeet Ulrich have reunited onscreen in “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2.” And while the sequel brings them back into the genre that made them icons, Lillard says the real highlight is their enduring bond offscreen.
The actors star together once more in the hit horror follow-up now in theaters, with Lillard returning as serial killer William Afton and Ulrich joining the franchise as Henry, a key figure connected to Afton’s dark past. The duo has remained close for decades, largely due to years spent appearing at fan conventions and horror festivals.
“I see him more than I see my best friends from high school,” Lillard joked. “We’re together constantly.”
A friendship stronger in their 50s
Lillard reflected on how their relationship has evolved over time, saying that while they became friends while filming Scream in their 20s, age and experience have deepened their connection.
“There’s a different depth to our bond now… we’re both surprised we’re still this close after so long,” he shared.
Admiring Ulrich as a father and colleague, Lillard said their friendship extends far beyond nostalgia or professional ties.
“The way we talk about mental health, our kids, and surviving this business — we have a camaraderie and fellowship unlike anything I’ve had with anyone else in this industry.”
Plans for future Five Nights at Freddy’s stories
While neither actor has extensive screen time in FNAF2, Lillard teased that the sequel sets up bigger things for their characters in a potential third film.
“If you know the game, you know the relationship… there’s a lot coming for the two of us to do in the third film,” he said.
The film continues Lillard’s career resurgence, which he calls the era of “Matthew Lillard 2.0.” Alongside Five Nights at Freddy’s, he appears in Mike Flanagan’s “The Life of Chuck,” the upcoming “Behemoth!”, “Daredevil: Born Again” Season 2, a new “Carrie” series, and most notably “Scream 7.”
Returning to Scream and embracing career revival
The announcement of his return for Scream 7 thrilled fans who long theorized that Stu survived the original film.
Lillard admitted he initially panicked about damaging his legacy:
“There’s a risk of screwing everything up… but while I’m having this moment, I’m enjoying every second.”
He credits his renewed momentum partly to fans who grew up watching him as Shaggy in the early 2000s Scooby-Doo films.
“There’s a whole generation of executives brainwashed by Scooby-Doo DVDs in minivans,” he joked.
As for reprising Shaggy in live action, Lillard says age makes that unlikely.
“He’s a meddling teenager — I’m almost 60. I’d be shocked if I went back.”
For now, fans can enjoy seeing two horror icons sharing the screen once again — and celebrating a friendship built to last.
