Matthew Lillard, best known for playing Shaggy in the live-action Scooby-Doo films, has attributed his recent career resurgence to a widespread nostalgia for the early 2000s. Speaking on the Phase Hero podcast, the actor reflected on how films from that era are now more popular than ever, leading to a renewed demand for his presence on screen.
The Nostalgia Factor
Lillard pointed out that the Scooby-Doo movies, released in 2002 and 2004, have gained greater popularity over time. "Scooby-Doo 1 and 2 are more popular now than they ever were when they came out," he told host Brandon Davis. He suggested that this phenomenon is part of a broader trend in the industry, driven by people's longing for simpler times. "I do think there is a weird nostalgia thing happening in our industry and in the zeitgeist, because I think people are longing for ye olde times," Lillard explained. "I think that is 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."
A Familiar Face from Happier Times
Davis joked that casting directors are seeking familiar faces from an era when audiences felt better about their lives, hoping to evoke positive emotions. Lillard responded with characteristic humility: "That's why I'm working. I don't think anyone really likes me. They just missed the old times."
Recent and Upcoming Projects
Lillard's career has seen a notable uptick. He appeared in the 2023 horror film Five Nights at Freddy's as William Afton, a role he is expected to reprise in the third instalment of the franchise. He currently stars in Daredevil: Born Again as the shadowy political fixer Mr Charles, and appears in the second season of Prime Video's Cross as Lance Durand. In a surprise move, Lillard returned as Stu Macher in the seventh Scream film, despite the character's apparent death in the original 1996 movie. Upcoming projects include Mike Flanagan's miniseries Carrie and Tony Gilroy's film Behemoth!, alongside Pedro Pascal, Olivia Wilde, and others.
Tarantino's Criticism and Hollywood's Support
Last year, Quentin Tarantino made headlines by stating he "didn't care for" Lillard, along with actors Paul Dano and Owen Wilson. The comment sparked an outpouring of support for Lillard from Hollywood. Director Mike Flanagan, who worked with Lillard on The Life of Chuck, called him "the goddamn greatest." Ryan Reynolds even recruited Lillard for a Mint Mobile commercial, declaring in a voiceover: "There are only two things that are universally loved: saving money and beloved actor Matthew Lillard." Reflecting on the wave of support, Lillard told People magazine: "It felt like I had died and was in heaven watching everyone send out their RIP tweets. I mean, it was really nice being a part of your own wake, sort of sitting there living through all the nice things people say after you die."
